Is North Korea the World's Largest Center of Art Production?
- September 10, 2015 12:09
While 63 percent of North Koreans are estimated to work in manufacturing, mining, transportation, government and similar fields, a lucky few are part of a huge artistic center.
Mansudae Art Studio, north of Pyongyang, is one place said to employ 700 artists and a staff of 4,000 who produce paintings, posters and sculptures. Much of the output from the government-run site is propaganda art and socialist realism, but Huffpo reports there is a range, and while perhaps not cutting-edge, includes international commissions and non-political art.
A big picture of North Korea's "art scene" remains hidden, yet, recently, North Korean artists have been shown in London and South Korea. And Western collectors are taking notice---according to Mansudae's website the catalog North Korea: a Unique Country presents the 210 North Korean works created for the Luciano Benetton Collection.
![Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577–1640), After Titian (Tiziano Vecelli) (Italian [Venetian], c. 1488–1576), Rape of Europa, 1628–29. Oil on canvas, 71 7/8 x 79 3/8 in.](/images/c/e2/2e/Jan20_Rape_of_Europa100x100_c.jpg "Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577–1640), After Titian (Tiziano Vecelli) (Italian [Venetian], c. 1488–1576), Rape of Europa, 1628–29. Oil on canvas, 71 7/8 x 79 3/8 in.")
100x100_c.jpg "Boba Fett L-slot rocket-firing prototype action figure, predecessor to the Boba Fett figure in Kenner’s popular 1979 Star Wars toy line, 3.75in tall, AFA-graded 80+ NM (archival case). Encapsulated with notarized CIB COA. Sold for a world-record price of $236,000 against an estimate of $100,000-$200,000")
