French photographer Stephan Gladieu's series 'North Korea' offers a rare glimpse into the lives of its citizens through iconic portraits. Gladieu used studio lighting techniques on the streets to create humanist messages, juxtaposing surreal vignettes with the reality of everyday life.
Stephan Gladieu's 'North Korea' series provides a unique and humanizing perspective on a population often obscured by geopolitical narratives and limited media access, challenging viewers' perceptions through artistic portraiture.
French photographer Stephan Gladieu has created a series of portraits titled 'North Korea,' offering a rare visual insight into the lives of its citizens. Gladieu, known for his documentary work and 'iconic portrait' style, made five trips to the country between 2017 and 2020, focusing on capturing individuals rather than architecture.
Gladieu intentionally brought studio photography staples, such as lights, to the streets, aiming to create a humanist message through pared-down, symmetrical visuals. His portraits often feature subjects in everyday settings, creating a juxtaposition between the surreal and the real, reminiscent of fashion magazine aesthetics but rooted in the country's reality.
He sought to make North Koreans visible, noting their absence in global media and the regime's limited focus on them. The series aims to act as a mirror, allowing viewers to connect with the subjects and learn about themselves.
Gladieu's approach involved discussions with guides to understand the country's everyday reality, though he encountered challenges due to cultural differences and strict controls on movement. He developed a method of taking his time to prepare scenes, allowing subjects to become comfortable in their poses.
The series, which includes both individual and group portraits, was published as a book in 2020 and is currently on exhibition at Lyon's Musée de Confluences.