Traffic Policewoman (Winter)

THE LINOCUT

Hwang In Jae pictures the Pyongyang traffic policewoman in winter uniform with baton (a baton held out horizontaly indicates that a turn through the intersection is permitted). The artist’s viewpoint is from a lower position, looking up, to give her a position of authority. The representation of the on-coming snowfall blurring the background is beautifully handled, with the upper crude incomplete brushstrokes, cold bisque colour monotone background.  The contrast with the blue and white crisp outlines of the winter coat puts the focus on the wrapped figure creating the feeling of security of the protagonist, protected from the elements. Hwang mixes the linocut ink print with hand application of colour and is not afraid to use correction fluid to cover mistakes made after striking the print.

SUBJECT MATTER

All major crossroads in Pyongyang are staffed by the traffic police. There are around 50 posts in Pyongyang, although these are now on the decline due to the introduction of traffic lights, much to the dismay of many tourists. In 2013, Ri Kyong Sim traffic policewoman was awarded the title of Hero of the Republic, the highest honour of a citizen of the DPRK, for being ‘infinitely faithful to the Party and the leader, and carrying out her duty to the best of her ability and contributing to the traffic safety in the capital city’.

ENQUIRY

Price: 1600 EUR signed by the artist limited edition of 10 pieces only (1/10 kept by Koryo Studio Collection)
ID: L035