Silence
Koryo Studio Commission

The limited-edition prints of Silence are 120 euros (plus 25 euros for worldwide postage). The hand-painted pieces (created in 2011) are limited to 20 pieces only (one will remain in our collection) at a price of 800 euros + postage.
All works are stamped on the white border with our seal and dated.

This work was painted with a banner along the bottom which is intended as a simple instruction; forceful and precise. However, at the same time, it holds an alluring quality because of the inherent beauty and authority of the nurse.

Particularly in the soft way she is signalling silence.

The nurse is wearing a badge stating jong song (‘with care’).

Silence; Background

This image, commissioned by Koryo Studio, is based on the ‘SILENCE’ sign found on display in the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital. It was painted in 2011.

The North Korean artist we commissioned used his pen name Kim Yong as it was his interpretation of another artist’s work.

We could not track down the original artist. Indeed, they are likely to have come from the graphics department responsible for propaganda work and performance charts at the hospital.

Silence; More Info

The demand for silence can be seen as one for secrecy and to keep certain things hidden or unsaid.

Of course, as with any artwork, various meanings can be read into it. Indeed, this ambiguity, mixed with direct instruction, was what intrigued us when we first came across the original piece in the Pyongyang Maternity Hospital.