Art of Now: North Korea

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North Korea

BBC Radio 4 - Art of Now, North Korea

A look into what happens at North Korea's Mansudae Art Studio

One of the largest art studios in the world is to be found in a most unexpected location. 
Created in 1959 to produce art that revered the totalitarian regime, North Korea's Mansudae Art Studio now employs over 5000 staff, making it one of the biggest art-production sites in the world. 
The studio makes everything from small sketches to monumental statues and murals for public buildings. Its artists are said to be the only ones permitted to portray North Korea's ruling family. 
But propaganda is not its only aim: the studio is also driven by profit. In recent years, monuments and sculptures made by Mansudae artists, have popped up in Africa, Southeast Asia and even Germany. 

Contributors: 
Teresa Song, collector of North Korean art 
Jean Lee, Director, Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy
Nick Bonner, co-founder Koryo Tours
BG Muhn, Professor of painting at Georgetown University
Song Byeok, artist 
Onejoon Che, filmmaker and visual artist, responsible for 'Mansudae Master Class' project.
Hamish MacDonald, Associate Fellow at RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute 

Photo Credit: Koryo Tours

Producer: Sarah Shebbeare

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