Arirang North Korea II
Éric
Lafforgue
About this photograph :
Arirang North Korea II
The ‘mass games’ are one of the most renowned tourist attractions. For the purpose of propaganda North Korea organises huge shows. They were designed to promote group dynamics rather than individual performances as the ultimate symbol of communism. Prepared by hundreds of thousands artists throughout the year, the games are entirely dedicated to North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Il, and his late father Kim Il Sung. The Arirang show has taken place every two years since 2002 in Pyongyang’s May Day stadium, the world’s biggest stadium. This attraction recaps the main facts about the history of North Korea in the 20th century. The synchronisation of the gymnasts in these group movements and its extent is striking. The backdrop to these shows is as carefully produced as the central choreography. On stands situated opposite the audience, children turn colour cards making patterns.
About the artist :
Éric
Lafforgue
There are stories that are pleasurable to tell. Eric Lafforgue’s photographic debut is one of them. An inhabitant of Toulouse, born in 1964, he has always worked in media. Since childhood, he has travelled around the world with a partiality for remote areas. Like many travellers, he takes photographs as souvenirs. At the age of 42, he decided to update his equipment and publish his photographs on the internet. He was immediately successful. Major newspapers and magazines approached Lafforgue to publish his photographs (National Geographic, The Times, Geo International…). In barely two years, his work, which was also being exhibited, was recognised all over the world.
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See section on Éric Lafforgue - 8 photograph(s)