PROPAGANDA POSTERS - Koryo Studio | North …...While several Pyongyang-based art studios produce...

PROPAGANDAPOSTERS

"Our arts must be truly popular ones that respond to the sentiments of our people; they must be revolutionary ones that serve the interests of the Party and the revolution".

- Kim Il Sung, 1978, introduction to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) 14th National Art Exhibition.

In the DPRK (North Korea), art is a vital way to express the people’s innermost feelings – national pride, employing arduous labour to improve their homeland, and perhaps most importantly, spreading the guidance of Korea’s leader and the philosophy of the Juche Idea. Loosely translated as "self-reliance", Juche says that man is master of his destiny, and is the central tenet of Korean life.

While not considered fine art per se, creating propaganda work requires specified university and/or studio training courses. Propaganda posters are popular in the truest sense of the word, echoing sentiments of political and social guidance Koreans hear their entire lives. Celebrating the government’s agricultural or transportation policies, or exhorting workers to bring more "pit props to the coal mines" and "iron stones to the foundries" are statements born from the same goal – a modern, developed and most importantly, self-reliant society in accordance with the Juche idea. The Anti-imperialist art became popular during the last two decades and focused on what North Korea saw as US provocation, particularly under President George W. Bush. Propaganda and anti-imperialist paintings reflect current government slogans and ideals; as the policies change, the posters follow. The last several years has seen anti-imperialist art largely disappear from city streets, but propaganda art remains a staple in urban centres.

While several Pyongyang-based art studios produce propaganda posters, Koryo Studio deals directly with the Mansudae Art Studio, home to the best artists in the DPRK, as well as being the "birthplace" of the massive mosaics and statues seen around the country. These posters are hand-painted, unsigned artist interpretations of the original works, some of which you may see on DPRK stamps or as urban billboards, and are notable for their strong imagery, vibrant colours and clear, powerful messages.

PROPAGANDA POSTERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Medium: Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP003Dimensions: 51x76cmYear: Not Known

They’re All the Same! (Cruel, Predacious, Vicious)

Let’s Destroy the Shameless American Plot by National Cooperation

Gouache and Acrylic on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art Studio

Cat Number: PP011Dimensions: 50.5x69

Year: Not Known

Death to American Invaders!An American soldier is stamped out under the heel of North Korean soldier. Note the revolutionary red color in the background, the Korean soldiers are

driving them out from their country. The lettering is done in black for "US Invaders". As for the soldier, he fits basic designs, breaky nose and jagged

teeth clutching to his nuclear weapon.

Medium: Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP006Dimensions: 75x52.5cm Year: Not Known

Don’t Be Reckless! We Will Wipe the US from Earth Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist:

Mansudae Art Studio Cat Number: PP002

Dimensions: 75x53cm Year: Not Known

Let’s Increase Soy-farm Production!Medium: Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP009Dimensions: 75x54cm Year: Not Known

Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art Studio

Cat Number: PP008Dimensions: 75x53cm

Year: Not Known

Americnas Don’t Be Reckless! Defend with Do-or-Die Spirit, Human Bombs!

People Who Play With Fire Will Get Burned

Here we see an American soldier getting burned. The prominent nose, the army boots and long fingers has become iconic for Americans in anti-imperilaist

paintings

Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP012Dimensions: 71x51cmYear: Not Known

Let’s Punish the Separatist ForcesThis follows a common theme of anti-imperialist paintings; a giant fist is crushing grotesque caricatures of foreign enemies. Here we see the Americans clutching a puny nuclear missile, the Japanese and the South Koreans. Proper revolutionary spirit will trump over the alliance and obtain reunification.


Cat Number: PP013 Dimensions: 72.5x53cm

Year: Not Known

IAEA Stop Being Puppets of the USMedium: Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP016Dimensions: 76x53cm Year: Not Known

Fantasies about Enemies Means DeathHere we see a the US alleging themselves as a guise of peace complete with olive branch, but his black circle on this chests belies his true dark and cynical intentions.


Cat Number: PP007 Dimensions: 73x53cm

Year: Not Known

Follow the Orders of the Great Party and Win the Final Victory!Medium: Gouache on Paper

Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP021Dimensions: 77x54cmYear: Not Known

Clenched Fist Will Destroy Them!Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art Studio


Year: Not Known

Ruthless Reprisal! (Human Rights Resolution)Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP019 Dimensions: 75x53cm Year: Not Known

Let’s become Famous Football Players!Football is one of DPRK’s favourite sport, Catch Koryo Tour’s documentary film The Game of Their Lives



Year: Not Known

Let’s Follow the Ideological Struggle of the People’s Army!

Here we see another feature of the united military - with the air force pilot leaning into the dramatic action lines on the bottom, the sailor with his naval

collar directly above, and the army soldier above him. But serving one’s country can also be fun - the troops have dedicated musicians and performing

groups along for morale, and everyone likes a bit of accordion.

Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP091Dimensions: 73x55cm Year: Not Known

Pyongyang Folkloric ArtistsMedium: Gouache on Paper Artist:

Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP020

Dimensions: 72x53.5cm

The Flower of Happiness in Cheju Island (South Korea)

This unusual work depicts a little girl using flowers to outline a unified Korean Pen-insula. Cheju Island holds a special place in Koreans’ heart; to the south, Cheju is the "Korean Hawaii" and a prime honeymoon destination. To North Koreans, Cheju was

where local police and later the Republic of Korea military brutally suppressed a 1948 civilian uprising, leaving as many as 30,000 "

suspected communists" dead and forcing countless others to flee to Japan. Regardless, her message is "peaceful reunification".

Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand-painted artist interpretation of original work, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioDimensions: 61x86cm (S)Cat Number: PP094Year: Not Known

Wolves and Rabid Dogs Deserve to be Beaten



Year: Not Known

Let’s Beat the Drums of the Songun Revolution! Gouache on Paper

Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP029

Dimensions: 90x59cmYear: Not Known

Let’s Enlighten the Country with Universal Genius!Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand-

painted artist interpretation of original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP026Dimensions: 89x60cmYear: Not Known

If they Invade, we will First Attack the US!Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art Studio


Year: Not Known

Let’s Satisfy the Transportation of Demands!Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand- painted artist interpretation of original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP027Dimensions: 90x59cmYear: Not Known

Let Us Defend our Socialist Homeland!Gouache on Paper



Higher, Faster!Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand- painted artist interpretation of original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP028Dimensions: 90x59cm Year: Not Known

Unity Between the Army and the PeopleGouache on Paper

Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat NUmber: PP030


The Way that War Maniacs Go!

The imperialist Japanese and American soldiers are pushing the gigantic US Atomic bomb with the help of a harnessed South Korean "puppet". The message is clear; nuclear policies will end in destruction. Look over the edge of the Roadrunner-style cliff and see the wreckage of an American warship, complete with flag and corpses.

Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand- painted artist interpretation of

original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art Studio


Year: Not Known

Advance to the Victory for the Leader!Gouache and Acrylic on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP031Dimensions: 60x90cmYear: Not Known

Let Us Defend our Villages and Factories with our Own Strength!Medium: Gouache and Acrylic on

Paper (artist interpretation of original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP092Dimensions: 90x60cmYear: Not Known

Let’s Become Sharpshooters!Gouache on Paper



Let’s Bury the Sworn Enemies in the Grave of History

Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP037Dimensions: 59x79cm Year: Not Known

Here we see the burial mounds of traditional Korean graves and crosses marking the fallen Western soldiers; the crows circling overhead signal misfortunes to come.

The three cemetery markers in the background belong to US Generals Walton Harris Walker (left), who died in 1950, as well as Douglas MacArthur (centre) and UN

Commander Matthew Bunker Ridgway (right), complete with their own style choices of headwear. The foreground cross and barbed wire is done in a realistic style, but the

hanging enemies are veritable cartoon figures of a US soldier along with most likely Japanese imperialists and South Korean puppets, super-imposed on the black

background. Below, the lettering is hasty, even sloppy compared to the normal highlighted fare - a dramatic design choice.

Everybody, for the Fufillment of this Year’s New Year’s Address!

Gouache and Acrylic on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art Studio


Year: Not Known

Let’s Use all the Reserves!

Medium: Gouache and Acrylic on Paper (artist interpretation of original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP039Dimensions: 60x90cmYear: Not Known

Korea’s Answer!Gouache on Paper

Artist: Mansudae Art Studio Cat Number: PP023


We Won’t Forgive the Slightest!Medium: Gouache and Acrylic on Paper (artist interpretation of original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP093Dimensions: 90x60cmYear: Not Known

Not Even a Millimetre of Sea, Sky or Land Will Be Invaded!While Westerners hire illegal immigrants as gardeners, construction workers and even nannies, Koreans see anyone crossing their borders without proper documentation as having nefarious intentions - be they missionaries, journalists or backpackers. Naturally soldiers are the worst; this particular offender is US helicopter pilot Bobby Hall, who in 1994 was forced to land after straying four miles into DPRK territory. Hall was uninjured and later repatriated.

Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand-painted artist

interpretation of originalpainting, unsigned)



Large First Sign of Powerful Country - Kwang-myongsong-1Here we see the image of Gwangmyongsong 1 The artificial satellite launched in Agust 31st, 1998,

Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art Studio

Cat Number: PP041 Dimensions: 95x65.5cm

Year: Not Known

Let’s Achieve Productions Goals of Steel, Pig Iron and Rolled Steel Materials!!Gouache on Paper

Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP042Dimensions: 99.5x69cmYear: Not Known

Let’s Provide More Coal to the Power PlantsGouache on Paper


Dimensions: 105*80cmYear: Not Known

World Youth Science and Technology Fair for the Friendship and Unity Among Students

Here DPRK celebrates the friendship and unity among nations through sharing scientific achievements. Note the multiracial faces, the rainbow, and

the doves of peace.

Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art Studio Dimensions: 74x95cmCat Number: PP044Year: Not Known

Let’s Bring Glory to the Songun Korea!


Cat NUmber: PP043 Dimensions: 70x100cm

Year: Not Known

Let’s Glorify Songun Korea’s Dignity and Ideology! Gouache on Paper

Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP046Dimensions: 100x69cmYear: Not Known

Leave no Trace of the Evil American Base with Fires of Justice! Gouache on Paper



Let’s Drive Out the Americans and Reunify the Country!

Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP053Dimensions: 99.5x70cmYear: Not Known

Bring on the Conference of Party Represen-tatives with Political Fervor and Hard Work!


Cat Number: PP048Dimensions: 99x69.5cm

Year: Not Known

Convene an International Tribunal to Prosecute US!Acrylic on Paper

Artist: Mansudae Art StudioDimensions: 94x76cmCat Number: PP052Year: Not Known

Everybody to the Creation of Mallima Speed Movement! Medium: Gouache on Paper


Dimensions: 99.5x69cmYear: 2016

The Soldiers are Always Ready!Gouache and Acrylic on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP058Dimensions: 70x100cm Year: Not Known

Let’s Have Rich Harvest of Sunflowers!Gouache on Paper



Let’s Become Defenders of the Leader! Medium: Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP056Dimensions: 99.5x70cm Year: Not Known

Let’s Enhance the Power of Single Hearted Gouache on Paper


Dimensions: 95.5x69.5cmYear: Not Known

Let’s Firmly Maintain Single Hearted Unity!Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP050 Dimensions: 100x70cmYear: Not Known

Single Hearted Unity is the Backbone and Vital Weapon of Juche Revolution Gouache on Paper



Higher, Faster!

Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP057Dimensions: 90x59cm Year: Not Known

Kill the Enemies that Hinder the Reunification

Gouache on PaperMansudae Art Studio


Year: Not Known

Of these oft-paired enemies, the American soldier is significantly larger, has a beak nose, and toes escaping from his bulbous boots, which shows the poor state of the US military. The Japanese soldier is wearing his typical sword and has no shoes at all. Impaled on the ubiquitous orange bayonet, both clutch a paltry atomic missile. In his right hand, the US soldier holds a sign for the military demarcation line. The North Koreans cite the division of the peninsula as the root of all their suffering; they hold the UN and the United States government most responsible, as the latter is still considered an occupying power. As for their former colonial masters, the Japanese have expressed concern that a united Korea will be too powerful, and therefore, are considered "enemies of reunification".

We Will Never Forget Until We Die!

In this striking work, we see a warning to enemies in English – an unusually direct message. The Korean eye sees imperialist soldiers everywhere.

Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP060Dimensions: 69x90cmYear: Not Known

In this exciting work, the sailor’s very uniform melds into dramatic action lines that become art themselves, while the exploding ship makes for a dramatic composition. DPRK sees its borders as absolutely sovereign and will use military force to protect itself from a perceived threat. The most famous case is the USS Pueblo, captured in 1968; today it is a central attraction in the newly renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation Museum, which covers the Korean War.

Enter our Seas Just .001mm; We Will Strike a Heavy Blow!



Year: Not Known

Everyone for Reunification!Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP062Dimensions: 96x73cmYear: Not Known

The Core of the Revolutionary Army Spirit!In the foreground we have strong, powerful hands holding grenades in revolu-tionary red. In the background, the upright weapons are laid out in perspective drawing reminiscent of Paolo Uccello, leaving striking negative space, while the slanted yellow lettering calls to mind Star Wars titles. Whatever the inspi-ration, the whole painting has visceral movement – and you can almost hear the cheers of the crowd.



Year: Not Known

More Transmission Capacity Will Crush the US Imperialists

North Korea counts on technology to compensate for their shortages in natural resources, such as building hydroelectric plants instead of relying on

oil, or developing better fertiliser to combat their mountainous landscape and harsh temperatures. Using science not only embodies the Korean respect for

education, but it illustrates principle of the Juche Idea, or self-reliance. Remember too, that volunteers often help build public works projects; seeing

an electric charge plunged through the heart of the enemy could raise the revolutionary spirit.

Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand- painted artist interpretation of original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP065Dimensions: 100x79cmYear: Not Known

Look! The Destiny of US Imperialism!

Much like the flesh-coloured fist, the orange bayonet is a common feature in anti-imperialist art. In this case, the US soldier is more dishevelled than usual; his hoisted shirt exposes a flabby stomach and his ripped sleeve shows the hairy arms and long fingernails of the lupine American, the wolf in sheep’s clothing. Unlike other soldiers, he doesn’t even have a diminutive weapon for protection; he is completely at the mercy of the DPRK.

Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand-painted artist

interpretation of originalpainting, unsigned)



Let’s Create Innovation in Coal Production!In DPRK, every job has work units, further subdivided into smaller teams that

compete over production totals. "Champions" might get a symbolic award such as a wreath of flowers, or a more tangible monetary bonus; this high

producer in the sparkling clean uniform beams as he displays his garland and is doused with confetti. In the background loom mountains of coal.

Gouache on Paper Cat Number: PP067Artist: Mansudae Art StudioDimensions: 94x75cm Year: Not Known

People Who Play With Fire Will Get BurnedThis tight composition shows vivid flames about to engulf a frail, spindly US soldier. Note the atomic missiles on his butterfly wings; note also, although this soldier escapes much of the usual lupine look, he still has the prominent nose, the army boots and the long fingers that have become iconic.



Year: Not Known

Warning to US Imperialists – Understand Here we see a soldier lying in wait for imperialist enemies; to the right we

see a series of photographs representing Korean military victories, such as the 1968 capture of the USS Pueblo, where 82 sailors were held for 11 months

– in this case, being led onshore in ignominious surrender. The top picture could refer to any one of several helicopters shot down over the DMZ, while

the spy ship in the third picture was also sunk in the Sea of Japan.

Medium: Gouache on Paper (hand- painted artist interpretation of original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP069Dimensions: 81x99cmYear: Not Known

Arirang Mass Gymnastics and Artistic PerformanceWhile Arirang posters are common, this one takes on an unusually artistic bent. In the foreground we see a beautiful woman in her traditional jeogori (costume) with the futuristic gaze so often seen in socialist paintings. To the left we see an Arirang dancer and a gymnast both set against the May Day Stadium, home of the games. Overhead, the soaring cranes symbolise long life.



Year: Not Known

Follow Me!The soldier clutching a gun and exhorting others to follow and/or advance is a common image in DPRK propaganda painting, but this has some dramatic touches. Note the gleaming light on his face, hand and ammunition clip; the

action lines sweep past the foreground soldiers (and the small tank) taking the letters with them. Note also the gouache colour work at the bottom, which

adds texture and depth.

Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP071Dimensions: 100x79cmYear: Not Known

Sweep Them Away ForeverGouache on Paper



Grand Mass Gymnastics and Art Perfor-mance: Arirang

Koreans have been holding Mass Games since the 1960s, but Arirang was a particular source of pride. Chronicling Korea from the Japanese colonial period

to modern times, each number reflects the country’s history or culture and features around 1500-2000 performers, making 100,000 in total. Initial reports

indicated that 2012 was the final year of Arirang…but the grand spectacle returned in 2013.

Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP073Dimensions: 100x73cmYear: Not Known

Let’s Follow the Ideological Struggle of the People’s Army!Here we see another feature of the united military - with the air force pilot leaning into the dramatic action lines on the bottom, the sailor with his naval collar directly above, and the army soldier above him. But serving one’s country can also be fun - the troops have dedicated musicians and performing groups along for morale, and everyone likes a bit of accordion.



Year: Not Known

You Cannot Get Out Alive!This is another common theme done in a striking composition; while the

bayonet is an oft- seen object in North Korean art, it appears here in multiples, framing a US soldier shrinking from overwhelming DPRK force. Note the typical

long fingers, the frayed cuffs, the beaky nose and the bulbous, flapping army boots showing the sorry state of the American military. The hills in the back-

ground are Korean burial mounds, while the crosses on top represent Western grave markers, showing the ravages of war.

Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP074Dimensions: 99x79cmYear: Not Known

Concentrate all the strengh to the Construction of Sunchon Vinylon Factory! Medium: Acrylic on Paper



A soldier in combat gear is pounding his fist on a map of the United States. Note the white action lines and the figure’s disproportionately large forearm

and fist, emphasizing strength. The globe itself is in pale pastels, indicating that DPRK’s power means the world’s peace.

We Must Not Use Empty WordsGouache and Acrylic on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP077Dimensions: 98x78cm Year: Not Known

Sweep Away the Reactionary Group that Submits to Foreign Forces!Here we see an example of revolutionary spirit triumphing over superior technology. The three symbols of the peninsula’s people are the South Korean (in the headband), the North Korean (in the centre) and the Korean expat, who all ostensibly share the same goal of reunification without foreign interference. Their spirit is so strong they can crush warplanes, missiles and US military personnel with just their feet. Note the striking shadow work on their red clothing; note also the action lines next to the expat, creating an interesting pattern.

Medium: Gouache and Acrylic on Paper (artist interpretation of

original painting, unsigned)Artist: Mansudae Art Studio


Year: Not Known

Smash the Pincer Movement (Self-Reliance!)

The military term "pincer movement" strikes a particularly sour note in DPRK, as it refers specifically to General Douglas MacArthur’s surprise Inchon landing in September 1950. This pincer movement saw the US forces sweeping south from Inchon and north from Pusan, forcing the DPRK army to beat a "strategic retreat" back across the 38th Parallel. The background is a silhouette of the Pyongyang skyline (we can see the Tower of the Juche Idea, Chollima, the Ryu Gyong Hotel and other landmark buildings), while the foreground has a sledgehammer crushing American imperialists armed with maps and missiles.

Gouache and Acrylic on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP079Dimensions: 100x80cm Year: Not Known

Our Country is Ever Strong withSongun Politics!

Gouache on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art Studio

Cat Number: PP080Dimensions: 68.5x99.5cm

Year: Not Known

North Korea Will Get Rid of US Imperialism

An American soldier is cast out of the country under the heel of the North Korean boot. Note the lavender silhouette of South Korea in the background; the North Koreans still see the Americans as an occupying power. The lettering is done in clean, revolutionary red except for the jagged, black mi jie, which means American Imperialists. As for the soldier, he fits one of two basic designs, one is seen in side view, with a beaky nose and harsh, middle-aged features, the other is younger, seen from the front, with a round, open mouth and jagged teeth. Both models usually have long fingernails and frayed sleeves, in keeping with their depiction as "wolves in sheep’s clothing".

Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP082 Dimensions: 94x75cm Year: Not Known

Full Charge under Party’s Leadership!Gouache on Paper



Let’s be the Believers, Protectors and Accomplishers of the Juche IdeaGouache on Paper

Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP083Dimensions: 99.5x69.5cm Year: Not Known

Let’s Reach the Final Victory under the Great Leadership of the Party!Socialism is all about having a tight union around the party and the leader. Here we see the worker, labourer,


Cat Number: PP084Dimensions: 99.5x69cm

Year: Not Known

Unite the Nation to Crush the US Plans for Nuclear War

Gouache and Acrylic on PaperArtist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP085Dimensions: 70x100cmYear: Not Known

Follow with Royalty!



Year: Not Known

Let’s Beat the Drums of the Songun Revolution!

Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art StudioCat Number: PP088 Dimensions: 99x68.5cm Year: Not Known

Let’s Firmly Maintain the Unity of the Army and the People! Gouache on Paper



Let’s Dignify Songun Korea!Medium: Gouache on Paper Artist: Mansudae Art Studio

Cat Number: PP005Dimensions: 99.5x69cm

Year: Not Known

PROPAGANDA POSTERS - Koryo Studio | North …...While several Pyongyang-based art studios produce...

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