We take a look at publications and art books on North Korea. From sugar sachets to photography books, and beyond!
Here are the best art books about North Korea.
And yes – as the leaders in North Korean art projects, we did help to produce all of these..!
North Korean Art Books Introduction
Each of these North Korean art books serves as a brushstroke on the canvas of North Korean culture.
And each of them offers their own, unique insight.
They challenge stereotypes, open windows into the lives of ordinary citizens, and present an interesting insight you might otherwise not get from mainstream media.
From mass games to graphic empherea, and architecture to North Korean people – a lot has been covered.
But, there is also a lot more to explore.
Koryo Tours and Studio have been happy to facilitate various publications on North Korea as well as various other projects, including film. If you have a project you want to work on, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Let’s take a look at the works of various artists and photographers who have captured their own essence of North Korea in their books.
Made in North Korea – Graphics From Everyday Life in the DPRK
The book “Made in North Korea” curated by Nicholas Bonner offers a glimpse into the unexpected beauty of North Korean graphic design.
From sugar sachets to luggage tags. The collection, published by Phaidon, showcases the whimsical side of a nation often perceived through the lens of militaristic propaganda.
The juxtaposition of vibrant designs against the backdrop of North Korea’s imposing architecture challenges stereotypes.
Printed in North Korea: The Art of Everyday Life in the DPRK
Another Phaidon’s publication. ”Printed in North Korea” ventures into the realm of wood and linocut prints. It provides a rare peek into North Korea’s visual storytelling.
The linocuts, spanning from the 1950s to the twenty-first century, present anecdotes of the lives of various workers. From train conductors to scientists. The book becomes a testament to the talent of North Korean artists. And the socio-cultural conditions shaping their work.
D.P.R. KOREA: THE GRAND TOUR
In “D.P.R. Korea: The Grand Tour,” Magnum photographer Carl De Keyzer breaks barriers. He was the first Western photographer to embark on a 60-night tour of every North Korean province. Assisted by Koryo Tours & Studio.
This project, accompanied by a captivating book, offers a unique perspective on a nation often seen through a filtered lens.
De Keyzer’s photographs, shown publicly for the first time in 2017, unravel the complexities of a country that remains elusive to many outsiders.
Welcome to Pyongyang
Charlie Crane’s “Welcome to Pyongyang” introduces a unique approach to art photography in North Korea.
Rather than imposing judgments, Crane adopts a stance of absolute neutrality. This allows viewers to form their conclusions.
The book, winner of the British Journal of Photography International Prize, peels back the layers of North Korea’s self-image. It presents a revealing insight into the country’s unique identity.
Inside North Korea
Guardian journalist and photographer Oliver Wainwright’s “Inside North Korea” delves into the architectural wonders of Pyongyang.
From Soviet-era health centres to candy-coloured interiors, Wainwright’s photographs capture the city’s aesthetic charm.
The book, born out of an architectural tour, provides a lens into a side of North Korea often overshadowed by political narratives.
3DPRK
Matjaž Tančič’s “3DPRK” is a groundbreaking exploration of North Korean portraits using 3D stereoscopic technique.
Matjaž is a skilled photographer specialising in 3D photography and has taken multiple trips to Pyongyang and further inside North Korea.
With over 100 portraits captured through this unique medium, Tančič’s book transcends traditional photography. It offers an immersive experience that challenges preconceived notions.
It brings the subjects to life in a way conventional photography cannot.
Art of the DPRK
Koryo Studio’s “Art of the DPRK” unveils the world’s first exhibition dedicated to North Korean movie posters.
Beyond mere graphic art, the posters serve as a canvas where art and movies converge, narrating unique stories and providing a glimpse into the country’s film industry and narratives.
Model City: Pyongyang
“Model City: Pyongyang,” authored by Cristiano Bianchi and Kristina Drapic in collaboration with Koryo Studio. It decodes the architectural narrative of Pyongyang.
The book explores the utopian ideals that shaped Pyongyang into a model city. It stands as a unique testament to the city’s distinctive features.
A Night in Pyongyang
“A Night in Pyongyang” by Werner Kranwetvogel captures the core elements of the Mass Games, a spectacular event involving over 100,000 performers.
The book offers a visual spectacle, showcasing the immense scale and intricate choreography of the Mass Games. It gives outsiders a rare glimpse into this cultural extravaganza.
Setting the Stage
Eddo Hartmann’s “Setting the Stage” documents North Korean architectural endeavours to shape a socialist city.
Exploring the line between fact and fiction through Pyongyang’s architecture, the book unravels the utopian ideals that define the city’s unique features.
