In January 2020, North Korea officially closed its borders. But even
before that date, photographing the enigmatic landscapes of North
Korea posed immense challenges due to the regime's strict control
and prohibition of unauthorized photography. However, from a vast
archive of images captured painstakingly over two years, in this book
Tariq Zaidi curates a selection of more than 100 remarkable photographs that offer a wider perspective on a society often misunderstood and overshadowed by stereotypes.
North Korea is associated with its absolute rule under Kim Jong Un
and state-controlled propaganda. Central to its political ideology is
the philosophy of Juche, credited to Kim Il Sung. Juche emphasises
self-sufficiency, independence, and the supremacy of the state over
the individual. It permeates all aspects of society through propaganda, education, and cultural activities. However, North Korea demands a more humanistic understanding of its culture beyond politics. While most information about the country offers a
one-dimensional perspective, photography emerges as a vital medium to grasp and appreciate its complexities.
From Dandong (on the Chinese border) in the north to Kaesong and
the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) in the south, across the country from
Nampo and the capital Pyongyang on the west to Wonsan on the
east coast and then north towards Hamhung, Chongjin and Hoeryong (near the Chinese-Russian border), the photographer immerses
himself in diverse landscapes and cities to take a closer look at this
country and its people. Zaidi's lens skilfully captures the resilience,
spirit, and cultural nuances of the North Korean people in their everyday lives. Each photograph acts as a window into a hidden reality,
unveiling the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity
while illuminating the complex dynamics of a nation navigating its
path amid global scrutiny.
The Mansudae Grand Monument, located in Pyongyang, features massive bronze statue of President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il. The image was taken the day before Liberation Day when military personnel visited the monument to lay flowers in honour of the leaders.© Tariq Zaidi
A porter and a woman in the Kumgangsan Hotel at Mt Kumgang, This hotel is known for hosting reunion meetings between families from North and South Korea. © Tariq Zaidi
Two entrance guards share a private moment at the Grand People’s Study House, the main library in the capital city of Pyongyang. © Tariq Zaidi
Street scenes of Hoeryong as seen from the monument of Kim Jong Suk. © Tariq Zaidi
Man in military uniform watches over beachgoers near Wonsan. © Tariq Zaidi
Drawing class at the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace in Pyongyang, the largest facility for children’s after-school activities in North Korea.. © Tariq Zaidi
, a London-based photographer, transitioned his career in
2014 to pursue his passion for capturing the dignity, strength, and
soul of people in their environments. His photography focuses on
critical social issues, systemic inequalities, cultural traditions, and
marginalized communities worldwide.
In 2020, Zaidi gained recognition for his debut book,
Sapeurs: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo, which received acclaim as a finalist for
the Lucie Photo Book Award, Photography Book of the Year by Pictures of the Year International (POYi), and African Photobook of the
Year. Vogue also named it one of the Best Fashion Books of the Year,
and it was showcased at the Visa pour l’image International Festival
of Photojournalism. His second book,
Sin Salida, released in 2021,
delved into human rights issues in El Salvador, earning him top honours at the 2020 Media Awards by Amnesty International and the
International Photography Awards (IPA) in 2022. The book was also
a finalist for the Lucie Photo Book Prize and POYi's 'Photography
Book of the Year' in 2023.
Zaidi's photography has been featured in over 1,000 publications
across 90 countries, including The Guardian, BBC, National Geo-
graphic, CNN, Washington Post, Newsweek, Der Spiegel, GQ, Marie
Claire, and Vogue. With over 70 international awards, including honours from Sony World Photography Awards and the National Press
Photographers Association’s (NPPA) Best of Photojournalism Awards and
All About Photo Awards.
His work has been exhibited in more than 90 international exhibitions, spanning projects in 25 countries across four continents.
Tariq Zaidi ia a self-taught photographer with an M.Sc. degree from
University College London, his work can be explored on Instagram
(
@tariqzaidiphoto), Facebook (
@tariqzaidiphotography), and website
www.tariqzaidi.com.
Girl plays a cello at Chongam Kindergarten, Chongjin. © Tariq Zaidi
A coat adorned with medals hangs in a home. Migok Cooperative Farm, Sariwon.© Tariq Zaidi
