English
The MAK, the Museum of Applied Arts Vienna, hosts a historical exhibition from the 19th of May until September 5th, 2010. The exhibition is called “Flowers for Kim Il Sung: Art and Architecture from Democratic People´s Republic of Korea,” and it marks the first exhibition of its kind in the world, given that the Democratic People´s Republic of Korea is not exactly open to the outside world. The exhibition features over one hundred paintings in oil, ink and watercolour, about 30 posters and a section devoted to North Korean architecture, with models of some monuments.
The Democratic People´s Republic of Korea has described himself as a socialist republic, but many humanitarian organizations have questioned whether it is a republic, or rather a Stalinist dictatorship. What is certain is that there is a large personality cult surrounding the revered Kim Jong-il, current leader of the country, known as the Dear Leader, and his father, Kim Il Sung, the Great Leader, or also the Eternal President of the Republic. The propaganda apparatus of the State of North Korea is incredibly strong, and all forms of media fall under its control, so the development of the arts in recent years has a completely different character that in many countries with more political freedoms.
The pictures in the exhibit usually represent traditional subjects, portraits, landscapes and scenes of daily life of workers and peasants, as well as Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. The images always portray North Korean life in a flattering light. These idyllic paintings show the achievements of society, and how happy people are. The artists are like any other state official; they earn a monthly salary for producing a certain number of works each month which follow the official ideology. Obviously, they do not receive individual credit for the authorship of the work. Come to this historic exhibition to discover these works, which have never been seen outside their country. Take advantage of your freedom, and rent apartments in Vienna.
