-162°C Trading Power

At -162°C, natural gas becomes liquid and shrinks by a factor of over 600, enabling it as a trade commodity. Qatar exports LNG primarily to Japan, impacting both countries’ culture, lifestyle, and geopolitics. -162 Trading Power is a visual research project exploring the Qatar-Japan relationship, fostering growth in both nations. Bilateral relations began in 1972, with the first LNG shipment to Japan in 1997. After the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Japan’s demand for LNG surged, leading Qatar to supply large quantities at competitive prices. This kinetic installation consists of 40 ceiling-suspended printers, controlled by custom software, illustrating the exchange between the two countries. Exhibitions were held in Tokyo and Doha, exploring economic, social, and cultural implications of the energy trade. Collaborations between various universities and organizations made the project possible. A compilation of 162 printed outcomes formed an art book, published by Water with Water.