3DPRK: Photographing North Korea
3DPRK is a collaborative photographic portraiture project between Slovenian photographer Matjaž Tančič and Beijing-based North Korean art specialists Koryo Studio. Showing at Pékin Fine Arts (Hong Kong) Nov 19th 2016 - Jan 27th 2017.
3DPRK: PHOTOGRAPHING NORTH KOREA is a never-before-seen examination of the process behind such cultural engagement projects between international artists and local North Koreans. The small team of five (photographer, producer, two North Korean guides, one driver) photographed soldiers at the tense Demilitarised Zone at the North-South Korean border, and visited the schools, hospitals and newly completed leisure facilities considered the pride of the reclusive state, with producer Vicky Mohieddeen filming the process every step of the way.
The resulting series of portraits is the first time that local people from across the country have been photographed using a 3D stereoscopic technique. This landmark collection shows not only the relatively oft-photographed citizens of Pyongyang – North Korea’s showcase capital – but also those toiling in the fields of the co-operative farms, those living in Hamhung (North Korea’s second largest city) and those working in factories and steelworks across the country.
As with all portraits, these photographs depict living human beings, upon whose gaze you may project what you will. Each protagonist agreed to be photographed and was well aware that their image would be exhibited to a wider world. Perhaps it is the individual that shines out from these photographs; each portrait has its own distinct personality, ranging from disdain to pride.
It is the uniqueness and beauty of the 3D technique used for each photograph that ultimately highlights the individual nature of the people posing for each shot, and the various layers that make up the surreal theatrical set that is the DPRK today.
Pékin Fine Arts (Hong Kong) are showing the works from November 19th to January 7th, 2017.
Contact the gallery on: Tel: (852) 2177 6190