Tariq Zaidi - The People's Paradise
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Tariq Zaidi
The People's Paradise
Published by Kehrer in 2023
2nd edition printed in April 2023
Book size 26x19cm
176 pages
Hardcover
English language
In January 2020, North Korea officially closed its borders. But even before that date, photographing North Korea's enigmatic landscapes posed immense challenges due to the regime's strict control and ban on unauthorized photography. However, drawing on a vast archive of images painstakingly captured over two years, Tariq Zaidi presents in this book a selection of over 100 remarkable photographs that offer a broader perspective on a society often misunderstood and overshadowed by stereotypes.
North Korea is associated with Kim Jong Un's absolute rule and state-controlled propaganda. The Juche philosophy, attributed to Kim Il Sung, is central to its political ideology. Juche emphasizes self-reliance, 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 means of capturing and appreciating 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 in the west to Wonsan on the east coast, and then north to Hamhung, Chongjin, and Hoeryong (near the Sino-Russian border), the photographer immerses himself in diverse landscapes and cities to get a closer look at this country and its people. Zaidi's lens skillfully captures the resilience, spirit, and cultural nuances of the North Korean people in their daily lives. Each photograph is a window into a hidden reality, revealing the complex interplay between tradition and modernity while illuminating the intricate dynamics of a nation navigating its path amidst global scrutiny.