Photographer Philippe Chancel captures North Korea’s intensely choreographed ceremonies
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.
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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.