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Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Ha Tae-im draws on life experiences to create art
Painter shares her experiences from a recent residency in Napa Valley, California, showing love for colors Bands of vibrant colors criss-cross a canvas in layered brushstrokes, some evoking movements from rhythmic gymnastics. Korean artist Ha Tae-im, 52, has explored a diversity of colors in these simple shapes. 'For yellow, I keep painting thin layers of it on the canvas over and over, letting each one dry for an hour or so. That way, the colors appear clear and transparent, with lines of hair-like strands,' the artist said during an interview with The Korea Herald on June 23 at Seoul Auction. Ha recently finished a residency program at Seven Stones Estate, a winery located in the eastern hills of Napa Valley in California, founded in 1996. She showcased some of her works, including those she created during the residency, at the exhibition "Ha Tae-im in Seven Stones Estate' at Seoul Auction, held from June 19 to 24. 'I vividly remember the scent from the winery, which was so impressive. The scent of the lavender, rosemary, orange and lemon trees is unforgettable. I think the memory of the winery is a good seed that will grow into art of my own,' Ha said. 'I believe my works are the accumulation of what I have experienced -- from where I've been, whom I've talked to, and what I've read and seen. I think artists need to be exposed to a variety of experiences, not just being stuck in a studio,' she added. The exhibition brought together 27 paintings -- 18 gouache works created during her residency and nine acrylic paintings. The residency was an inaugural project launched by Seoul Auction and Hanwha Solutions, an eco-friendly energy materials company under Hanwha Group. Ha started her so-called 'color band' paintings when she returned to Korea after studying at Beaux-Arts de Paris, a school recommended by her father, Ha In-doo, himself a Korean abstract art master who died when she was 16. It was her father who led her to become an artist when she struggled as a teenager aspiring to become a professional flutist, she recalled. Heading to France alone, she struggled with the language barrier. 'I wrote letters on canvas and then erased them with layers of paint -- the idea being that a real conversation goes beyond letters and language,' she said. 'The act of erasing has developed into paintings of vibrant color bands. 'After I came back to Korea, I started finding comfort in colors and realized that I could communicate through color, which is when letters disappeared. Then, I began to delve into the combination of colors,' she said. She named her series 'Un Passage,' meaning "a passage" in English, expressing her hope that people who see her works can communicate with their inner selves and discover their own emotions. 'I think art is pretty similar to music -- it's an orchestra that I play myself. Classical music evokes universal feelings in people, and that is similar to abstract painting. I often relate my art to music,' Ha said.


USA Today
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Ampcera® Sets New Standards in Energy Storage with its Next-Gen Solid-State Battery Technology
William Mullane Contributor Ampcera®, a U.S.-based innovator in solid-state battery technology, is revolutionizing energy storage with its advanced solid-state electrolyte materials and scalable manufacturing processes. With a mission to build the foundation for next-generation lithium batteries, Ampcera envisions a future where its solid electrolytes power applications ranging from electric vehicles (EVs) to consumer electronics and defense systems, delivering unparalleled safety, fast charging, and high energy density for all climate applications. Rooted in innovation, supported by multinational chemicals and renewable energy company Hanwha Solutions, and protected by over 50 U.S. and international patents and more than 100 trade secrets, Ampcera is spearheading advancements in all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology, which addresses the limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries. At the heart of its technology is its IP-protected sulfide-based solid electrolyte, engineered to deliver superior ionic conductivity. This critical property allows for rapid lithium-ion movement, enabling fast charging and improved battery performance. Unlike liquid electrolytes, Ampcera's solid-state materials achieve higher energy density, safety, and durability. Just as a computer relies on a microchip to power its operations, the company envisions its solid-state electrolytes as the beating heart of the next generation of batteries. Manufactured using a proprietary 5-stage process, Ampcera's solid electrolytes boast high purity, reducing unwanted side reactions for consistent performance. The first stage is the precursor procurement and validation, one that ensures supply chain security and exceptional material quality. The next stage is material homogenization which guarantees its high-phase purity. Its material processing stage further helps the company for large-scale production. The second to last stage for Ampcera is particle size optimization, wherein the company's next-gen technology enhances battery performance and reduces stack pressure requirements. Finally, the last stage is packaging and distribution; its patented technology protects materials from moisture contamination. Ampcera's prototype cells, with energy densities reaching more than 400 Wh/kg and capacities of up to 100 Ah, when developed at full scale, are setting new benchmarks for battery performance across industries. With over 80% capacity retention in under 15 minutes of fast charging, under all climate conditions, these batteries outperform industry standards. Safety is the hallmark of Ampcera's solid-state technology. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which pose risks of thermal runaway, this company's materials provide thermal stability and superior safety. These batteries are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, enabling simpler, more energy-efficient thermal management systems for EVs and other applications. Additionally, Ampcera's manufacturing process emphasizes sustainability. With a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of battery production, the company is paving the way for an environmentally responsible energy future. Sourcing materials domestically and leveraging AI-driven material discovery positions Ampcera as a leading provider of critical next-gen battery materials in the US. Collaboration is central to Ampcera's mission. Through strategic partnerships with material and equipment suppliers, automotive OEMs, consumer electronics manufacturers, and battery makers, Ampcera is fostering a thriving ecosystem for solid-state battery technology. 'Our progress over the last few years has been significant,' confirms co-founder Sumin Zhu. 'We've shipped over 1,000 orders and demonstrated that solid-state batteries with superior performance can be manufactured. Now, we're engaging with key battery manufacturers for joint development to bring our technology to consumers.' Truly, the company is poised to transform the battery landscape with its all-solid-state technology. By 2026, the company plans to commercialize its innovations in consumer electronics, followed by EVs in the following years, ultimately achieving mass adoption. Its long-term vision includes creating sustainable all-climate fast charging batteries capable of operating efficiently in both low- and high-temperature environments. With a commitment to advancing clean tech energy, Ampcera® is clearly a catalyst for change, driving progress toward a sustainable and electrified future.