Printed in North Korea: The Art of Everyday Life in the DPRK

“Printed in North Korea: The Art of Everyday Life in the DPRK” by Nicholas Bonner offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the visual culture of one of the world’s most secretive and isolated countries. This visually stunning book delves into the unique genre of North Korean graphic art, specifically the linocut and woodblock prints produced by state-trained artists, which portray everyday life in the DPRK with a blend of realism and idealism.

Bonner, who has extensive experience with North Korean art through his travel company and film productions, curates an extensive collection of prints that are as revealing as they are artistically compelling. The book showcases over 100 prints, which illustrate scenes ranging from bucolic countryside landscapes and heroic workers to military parades and scenes of scientific achievements. Each print is accompanied by insightful commentary that not only explains the scene and its significance within North Korean culture but also offers an understanding of the technical aspects of the printmaking process used.

What sets this book apart is its ability to serve as both an art book and a socio-political commentary. Bonner expertly guides readers through the layers of meaning in each print, explaining how the depicted subjects reflect the values and narratives promoted by the North Korean regime. The images are meticulously crafted, with vividness and attention to detail that speaks to the highly skilled artists behind them.

“Printed in North Korea” also provides a context that helps readers appreciate the complexity of North Korean society and the role of art in its national identity. Through these prints, one can perceive a blend of traditional Korean elements with the socialist realism style that is prevalent in other communist states, yet there is a distinct character unique to the DPRK.

However, some readers might find the book somewhat limited in its critique of the broader political implications of the art it presents. While it excels at showcasing and explaining the art, it does so mostly within the confines of the DPRK’s narrative without extensively challenging or critiquing that narrative.

Overall, “Printed in North Korea: The Art of Everyday Life in the DPRK” is an essential read for those interested in North Korean culture, socialist realism art, or the intersection of politics and art. It is a compelling collection that offers a unique perspective on the DPRK, revealing the country’s rich tradition of graphic arts and the deeply entwined relationship between art and state ideology.