North Korea

Stéphan Gladieu, a French photographer, created mirror-portraits of people he encountered in North Korea to create a space of freedom under constant surveillance. His work resembles North Korea's propaganda imagery, making it more comprehensible and permissible to the authorities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2020
Publisher: Actes Sud

French photographer Stéphan Gladieu, born in 1969, embarked on a captivating photographic journey to explore North Korea. Despite facing constant surveillance wherever he went, Gladieu ingeniously crafted a space of freedom within these constraints. Through his art, he created mesmerizing mirror-portraits of the people he encountered and was hosted by, often capturing them in full length and requiring a direct gaze. By adopting this approach, Gladieu mimicked the style of North Korean propaganda imagery, making his work more understandable and acceptable to the authorities.

Fifty years after its establishment, North Korea continues to be portrayed in the media as a nation plagued by war, famine, nuclear programs, and military parades. Indoors, individuals are mandated to display portraits of the regime's founder, Kim Il-sung, and his son, Kim Jong-Il. Family photos are strictly prohibited, as are personal portraits. Consequently, Gladieu's work stands as an almost historic act of intervention in the country's visual politics.

His mirror-portraits not only offer a glimpse into the lives of the people he encountered but also challenge the dominant narrative propagated by North Korean authorities. They subvert the strict rules and regulations governing personal expression and visual representation, providing a unique perspective on a society often shrouded in secrecy. Through his art, Gladieu has managed to bridge the gap between the outside world and North Korea, offering a glimpse into the lives of the ordinary citizens and challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions perpetuated by the regime.

Stéphan Gladieu's photographic investigation of North Korea serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of artists in the face of adversity. His ability to navigate the complexities of the country and create meaningful art despite the strict restrictions imposed upon him is a testament to the power of art as a means of cultural expression and social change.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 185 x 238 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9782330120115