In North Korea, there are over 375 official slogans that appear on the government propaganda found in abundance across the country. Bright and colourful depictions of happy workers, fierce comrades, beautiful Korean landscapes and stoic portraits of the all-powerful leaders can be seen radiating from every street, every bus stop and all public spaces throughout the nation.
From murals the size of buildings with slogans such as; "Let us make a new history of mountains of gold, enshrining Kim Jong Il's patriotism!" to advertisements for government-sponsored films; the artworks, with their socialist-realist style reminiscent of European and Soviet mid-century poster art and their use of bold colours, are there to be truly galvanising. To inspire the people. The reality, however, tells a very different story - as seen in Eric Lafforgue's photographs, where the artworks starkly contrast with their monotone surroundings. A grave reminder of the North Korean imagined realities that prevail.
French photographer Eric Lafforgue spends most of his time travelling the globe to document regions that are less frequently visited. As well as North Korea, Eric has travelled extensively to many other incredible and off-the-beaten-track regions and we are honoured to represent his extensive portfolio here at Picfair. More of which you can find here.
Kim il Sung and Kim Jong il on a propaganda mosaic fresco at the entrance of Mansudae art studio, Pyongan Province, Pyongyang, North Korea
Kim il Sung and Kim Jong il on a propaganda mosaic fresco at the entrance of Mansudae art studio, Pyongan Province, Pyongyang, North Korea Read less
by Eric Lafforgue
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