Korea North

Artist: Chang Bok Rim + Ik Hyon Kim

Rim, Chang Bok
Born on 12th June 1956 in the Jagang Province, DPRK (North Korea)
1975 – 1979 Art Studies at the Academy of Art in Pyongyang

Mr. Chang Bok Rim comes from a working class family. For his works, he was proclaimed an artist of outstanding merit in 1988. His achievements include the design of sculptures of the first President of Angola, Neto and the Queen of Angola, Zinga. In addition, he worked as an artist on a building project for a museum in Malaysia.

At present, Chang Bok Rim works in the Creative Department at the Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang. 

Kim, Ik Hyon
Born on 16th May 1978 in Pyongyang, DPRK (North Korea)
1991 – 1995 Art Studies at the Academy of Art in Pyongyang
Herr Ik Hyon Kim comes from a family of artists and was honoured for his overall artistic achievements in 2003.

At present, Ik Hyon Kim works at the Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang, where he is mainly in charge of designing posters for events. 

Interpretation

The North Korean bear shows a reunited Korean landscape, thus expressing the desire for reunification. The overall design also reflects the beauty of the country and a happy life of the Korean nation.

The top part of the bear shows the Paektu Mountain in the North of Korea, whereas the bottom part shows the Hallasan Mountain in South Korea. Joining the two mountains symbolises the unity of the Korean people.

In the background, the Diamond Mountains again emphasise the beauty of the Korean peninsula. 8 fairies are painted in front of the mountains, sliding down to earth on a rainbow with their musical instruments in order to bathe in the clear waters of the Diamond Mountains.

The artistic realisation follows the traditional Korean style of painting. With their bear, both artists would like to contribute to peace and understanding among all nations.

Sponsor: Embassy of North Korea, Berlin