In January 2020, North Korea officially closed its borders. But even before that time, photographing the landscapes and people of the country was extremely difficult due to the regime’s strict control and prohibition of unauthorized photography.
Armed, however, with a vast archive of images captured over the course of two years, Tariq Zaidi curates a selection of more than 100 remarkable photographs that grant a glimpse into North Korean society. Zaidi’s lens skillfully 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, revealing the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity while illuminating the complex dynamics of a nation navigating its path amid global scrutiny. Following the award-winning ‘Sapeurs. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo,’ this is the second publication by Zaidi with Kehrer Publishing.
Tariq’s images are a testament to his deep commitment to documenting significant social issues, systemic inequalities, cultural traditions, and communities facing endangerment or marginalization on a global scale. He has already worked in eighteen, mainly developing countries on four continents.
His work has been on display at more than 60 international exhibitions and has been mentioned since 2015 in over 700 publications, including articles for The Guardian, BBC News, CNN, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Der Spiegel and El Pais.
GoSee : kehrerverlag.com