'Women at Work';
Traffic Policewoman (Winter)

North Korea Linocuts;
Traffic Policewoman (Winter)

Hwang In Jae pictures the Pyongyang traffic policewoman in winter uniform with a baton (a baton held out horizontally 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 Linocut

The representation of the oncoming 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 a 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. This is the highest honour of a citizen of the DPRK.

She was awarded this for being ‘infinitely faithful to the Party and the leader, carrying out her duty to the best of her ability, and contributing to the traffic safety in the capital city’.

Pyongyang Traffic Ladies

Traffic Policewoman (Summer)
Size: 59 x 69 cm
Edition of 10
Artist: Hwang In Jae
Price: 1600 EUR
ID: L036