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IIW 2026 Digital Collection Welded Art Photographic Exhibition: Shaping the Future
From 12 to 17 July 2026, the IIW 2026 Digital Collection Welded Art Photographic Exhibition, under the theme “Shaping the Future”, was presented as part of the 79th Annual Assembly of the International Institute of Welding (IIW) in Salzburg, Austria.
In 2026, the exhibition brought together more than 50 artists from 15 countries, showcasing their creative works produced using welding technologies.
The theme “Shaping the Future” reflects the idea of intentionally creating the future through decisions and actions taken today. Participants presented their own visions of the future through artistic metal creations, combining technical expertise, engineering knowledge, and creative inspiration.
The exhibition attracted professional artists, welding art enthusiasts, representatives of industrial companies, educational institutions, and national welding organizations. Participating organizations included the Bulgarian Welding Society (BWS), The Indian Institute of Welding (IIW-India), Schwing Stetter India Pvt. Ltd., Kazakhstan Welding Association (KazWeld), Gedik Education Foundation (GEV), SkillsUSA, and The University of Sydney.
Kazakhstan at the International Welded Art Exhibition
The Kazakhstan Welding Association (KazWeld) has been an active supporter of the international welded art exhibitions organized under the auspices of IIW since their inception in 2019.
The Association considers participation in such initiatives an important means of promoting welding professions, developing the creative potential of welding professionals, and encouraging young people to pursue engineering and technical education.
As part of the preparations for the 2026 exhibition, KazWeld coordinated the participation of representatives from Kazakhstan's welding industry and technical educational institutions.
Four exhibits from Kazakhstan were featured in the official IIW 2026 Digital Collection:
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“Arowana: Echoes of Water Futures” — Andrey Makhorin.
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“The Horse – Symbol of the Kazakh Spirit” — Mangystau Higher Polytechnic College Team.
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“AI Hand: Creating the Future” — Temirkhan Nurbol and Maksim Lapshov.
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“Snow Leopard” — Alexander Rechkin.
Each of these exhibits stands out for its original artistic concept, technical craftsmanship, and individual approach to the application of welding technologies.
The Kazakhstani participants demonstrated that welding is not only a means of producing industrial structures but also a powerful form of artistic expression, capable of bringing national traditions, images of nature, and visions of a technological future to life through metal.
Developing Creative Potential and Promoting Welding Professions
The IIW International Welded Art Exhibition provides a unique platform that brings together representatives of industry, education, and the arts.
The participation of technical college students and young professionals is particularly significant. Creating artistic metal compositions requires not only proficiency in welding technologies but also spatial thinking, precision, patience, creativity, and the ability to transform original ideas into tangible works.
Each project represents considerable effort, professional development, and creative exploration by its authors.
The Kazakhstan Welding Association (KazWeld) believes that promoting such initiatives helps enhance the prestige of welding professions, strengthen cooperation between industry and educational institutions, and inspire younger generations to explore modern welding technologies.
International Recognition and Cooperation
The participation of Kazakhstani artists in the IIW 2026 Digital Collection provided an important opportunity to showcase the creative and professional potential of Kazakhstan's welding specialists to the international welding community.
KazWeld extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, teachers, students, and representatives of educational institutions for their active involvement, creative initiative, and contribution to the development of welded art in Kazakhstan.
The Association remains committed to supporting IIW international initiatives aimed at advancing professional skills, facilitating the exchange of experience, and promoting the welding profession.
The international exhibition “Shaping the Future” once again demonstrated that welding brings together technology, craftsmanship, and art, opening new opportunities for creativity and shaping the future.
IIW 2026 Digital Exhibition Catalogue
The International Institute of Welding has published the official IIW 2026 Digital Collection Welded Art Photographic Exhibition: Shaping the Future, featuring works by participants from around the world, including Kazakhstan.
Download the Official IIW 2026 Exhibition Catalogue (PDF)
The IIW Digital Collections of welded art from 2019 to 2026 are also available on the official website of the International Institute of Welding:
