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Printed in North Korea: The Art of Everyday Life in the DPRK
Never-before-seen North Korea—a rare glimpse into the country behind the politics and the creativity behind the propaganda.
This incredible collection of prints dating from the 1950s to the twenty-first century is the only one of its kind in or outside North Korea. Depicting the everyday lives of the country's train conductors, steelworkers, weavers, farmers, scientists, and fishermen, these unique lino-cut and woodblock prints are a fascinating way to explore the culture of this still virtually unknown country. Together, they are an unparalleled testament to the talent of North Korea's artists and the unique social, cultural, and political conditions in which they work.
This incredible collection of prints dating from the 1950s to the twenty-first century is the only one of its kind in or outside North Korea. Depicting the everyday lives of the country's train conductors, steelworkers, weavers, farmers, scientists, and fishermen, these unique lino-cut and woodblock prints are a fascinating way to explore the culture of this still virtually unknown country. Together, they are an unparalleled testament to the talent of North Korea's artists and the unique social, cultural, and political conditions in which they work.
- GenresArtPoliticsNonfiction
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 25, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 24, 2020
The artwork is simply beautiful. Some of the themes are disturbing, like the obsession with the military, but the short descriptions with each drawing are helpful to put it in context.
Fascinating look inside the propaganda machine, and the idealized world that they create.
The highlight however is the art. I can only imagine what these artists would be capable of being allowed to make art without restrictions.
Fascinating look inside the propaganda machine, and the idealized world that they create.
The highlight however is the art. I can only imagine what these artists would be capable of being allowed to make art without restrictions.
August 7, 2022
I am stunned by the beauty of the images in this book and the realisation that they come from one of the most unknown totalitarian societies in the world. Whilst depicting real life the images are also part of the organised propaganda programme in which art is structurally part of and inseparable from the political system. All the aspects of totalitarian control are in here - control over truth, loyalty to party and leader, control of language and thought, redefinition of history, fusion of the welfare of the state and people with those of the leader etc.
The introductory sections pay tribute to the skill of the artists and show how they are working within a definition of art which is itself state controlled - slogans abound, the great leader oversees things, art works are reviewed for their “aesthetic and ideological character” before being made public, the Party is “the” patron of the arts and as is pointed out this is why “art for art’s sake” is a non starter.
Is it possible to appreciate art produced in these circumstances and so clearly produced with a political message? Can such art be “good art”? I’m not sure but I can say that the images here have given me a new perspective on the society of North Korea and the nature of it’s totalitarian regime.
The introductory sections pay tribute to the skill of the artists and show how they are working within a definition of art which is itself state controlled - slogans abound, the great leader oversees things, art works are reviewed for their “aesthetic and ideological character” before being made public, the Party is “the” patron of the arts and as is pointed out this is why “art for art’s sake” is a non starter.
Is it possible to appreciate art produced in these circumstances and so clearly produced with a political message? Can such art be “good art”? I’m not sure but I can say that the images here have given me a new perspective on the society of North Korea and the nature of it’s totalitarian regime.
February 12, 2022
"Art not related with the revolution, art for its own sake, is useless." - Kim Jong Un
Absolutely stunning collection of prints, additional notes provided some nice contextualization. The color palettes are so brilliant and beautiful, and the depictions of everyday people in education, industry, nature, agriculture, military, etc are so incredibly poignant and emblematic of the sacrifice and heroism in the Korean national liberation struggle. One wishes only that one day we can engage with north Korea and its people entirely on its own terms and not within a culturally-embedded framework of orientalist curiosity with the "despotic" Asian other where you got Damocles's sword hanging over a Potemkin village or whatever libidinal bullshit white people enjoy telling themselves. North Korea is a real place with real people.
November 26, 2022
The skill of the North Korean artists featured in this book can only be described as breathtaking. Even though I don’t agree with the hyper-militarized ideals portrayed in the propaganda, one can still appreciate the craftsmanship taken in composition, colour, and form. Especially the linocuts.
Throughout the artwork, socialist propaganda slogans are plastered everywhere: walls, vehicles, banners, statues, and anything else. It reminds me of North American cities filled to the brim with capitalist adverts. An interesting parallel of two opposing ideas. One particularly interesting slogan was “We Are Happy!”, commonly found in schools.
Throughout the artwork, socialist propaganda slogans are plastered everywhere: walls, vehicles, banners, statues, and anything else. It reminds me of North American cities filled to the brim with capitalist adverts. An interesting parallel of two opposing ideas. One particularly interesting slogan was “We Are Happy!”, commonly found in schools.
July 11, 2024
art and beauty persevere even in the corners of the world where creativity is controlled 😭 i’m not crying i’m just allergic to jerks (kis)
January 27, 2025
Pure propaganda.
December 24, 2024
Many of these seem like they've been pulled from a satirical dystopian comic: preschool teachers making lesson plans with a model of a mobile missile launcher on the table, workers smiling at the ammonium sulphate factory, honours given to vehicles (not drivers) that have driven 50,000km without any accidents; hundreds of prints glorifying both nature, heavy industry, a heavily militarised state, and a joyful population grateful that they're under the wise and loving guidance of the Dear Leader.
What's surprising is that despite all these works requiring state approval for ideological quality, they're all really impressive from both an aesthetic and a technical view. It's clear propaganda of course, but it's great looking propaganda done by hundreds of extremely talented artists.
There are snippets for each piece that add context about the politics, history, geography, and culture of North Korea, as well as select quotations from the Supreme/Great/Dear Leader Kim: "art not related with the revolution, art for its own sake, is useless" and real profound statements like "an artistic work insensitive to party policy will lose its viability".
What's surprising is that despite all these works requiring state approval for ideological quality, they're all really impressive from both an aesthetic and a technical view. It's clear propaganda of course, but it's great looking propaganda done by hundreds of extremely talented artists.
There are snippets for each piece that add context about the politics, history, geography, and culture of North Korea, as well as select quotations from the Supreme/Great/Dear Leader Kim: "art not related with the revolution, art for its own sake, is useless" and real profound statements like "an artistic work insensitive to party policy will lose its viability".
February 3, 2025
图书馆翻了翻就大感震撼。都说朝鲜是改革前的中国，但是朝鲜宣传画对色彩/明暗的运用以及对细节的描绘还是远胜文革版画几个量级，提醒自己即便是朝鲜也是活在当代。
September 17, 2022
really stunning collection of prints that helped me engage with the dprk on its own, three dimensional terms. highly recommend to anybody interested in knowing more about (north) Korean history!
January 3, 2022
A great unbiased view not only on North Korean art but also North Korean history and culture. The book is a great resource into life in North Korean and Asian history for those interested
April 21, 2020
Received this unexpectedly as a gift from a close friend. I've always enjoyed traditional east Asian prints and many of the prints are visually beautiful. The book does provide some insights into the DPRK or at least what the state wants us to see. These prints of course reflect only part of North Korea's reality. Would be interesting if these could somehow be complemented with underground art depicting the country's less glorious underbelly.
April 14, 2020
Wonderful never-before-seen prints from the Hermit Kingdom!
October 13, 2021
an invaluable resource
May 29, 2023
absolutely beautiful yet jarring prints; the propaganda is so effective as it paints nk the exact way they want it to be — extremely interesting & worth checking out
February 29, 2024
A simple yet beautiful and engaging book!
March 18, 2024
[Printed in North Korea: The Art of Everyday Life in the DPRK - Nicholas Bonner → ☆☆☆☆☆]
July 27, 2024
Fascinating and frequently beautiful
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews