Photographer Philippe Chancel captures North Korea’s intensely choreographed ceremonies

Date
28 October 2016

For over two decades, Paris-based photographer Philippe Chancel has been taking pictures which sit between art, documentary and journalism.

For his 2006 DPRK two-part series, which became a book of the same name published by Thames and Hudson, Philippe travelled into the impenetrable nation of North Korea where he captured life in the country’s eerily ordered capital city Pyongyang where enormous statues of Great and Dear leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong-il dominate huge, oddly sparse streets.

In almost total contrast though, is Philippe’s Arirang series. “Arirang” is a fiercely protected Korean folk song considered to be North Korea’s unofficial anthem. Philippe’s series of the same name captures an immense state-organised mass dance performance meets military parade to celebrate and honour the country’s leader. Hundreds of people in matching outfits make up each painstakingly-constructed tableaux which reminded us of Olympic opening ceremonies only, well, choreographed by dictators.

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Above

Philippe Chancel: Arirang

Share Article

Further Info

About the Author

Bryony Stone

Bryony joined It's Nice That as Deputy Editor in August 2016, following roles at Mother, Secret Cinema, LAW, Rollacoaster and Wonderland. She later became Acting Editor at It's Nice That, before leaving in late 2018.

It's Nice That Newsletters

Fancy a bit of It's Nice That in your inbox? Sign up to our newsletters and we'll keep you in the loop with everything good going on in the creative world.