February 2021
교통안전원, North Korean Linocut
February 2021
Traffic Policewoman (Winter)
Size: 59 x 69 cm
Edition of 10
Artist: Hwang In Jae
Price: 1600 EUR
ID: L036
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THE LINOCUT
North Koreans often use a surprising colour palette and this buff and grey is no exception. What looks simple is in fact rather a wonderful composition, the face and background are the same colour and tone however the face is lifted into the foreground by the combination of the white summer jacked and white cap. Whilst in the mid-ground the linocut is horizontally cut to create the blur of movement, she remains stock still, the embodiment of law and order. Koryo Studio keep the first print and we have just a few of this popular piece left but these are rare, amongst the artists last work before he died.
SUBJECT MATTER
North Korean women traffic officers are one of the mjor images associated with a visit to Pyongyang. Notoriously famed for their beauty, but certainly not to be crossed. Their job require immense concentration and a high amount of training, and thus they hold a high social status in Pyongyang and throughout North Korea. However, in 2018, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that for the benefit of the women, the North Korean women traffic officers would be taken off such hard duties and instead replaced by men. Koryo Tours travel to North Korea every month (virus allowing) and will be able to update you as to the situation.