A groundbreaking art exhibition in North Korea has unveiled the first-ever paintings of the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, marking a significant step in the promotion of his "cult of personality" within the nation.
The artworks depict extravagant and idealized scenes of the supreme leaders engaging in various activities, from interacting with farmers to riding a horse on Mount Paektu, North Korea's highest peak.
The unveiling of these paintings took place as part of a larger exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the "victory in the Fatherland Liberation War," which refers to the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, effectively ending the Korean War.
Alongside Kim Jong Un's portraits, the exhibit also featured paintings of his predecessors, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. The event attracted hundreds of attendees who marveled at the unconventional positioning of Kim Jong Un's painting, suggesting a potential shift in the country's propaganda strategy.
Previously, displays arranged the paintings in a sequence where Kim Jong Un's portraits were placed third, following those of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, as reported by NK News. However, the recent exhibition granted Kim Jong Un's painting a prominent central position, indicating a possible change in the hierarchy of the country's propaganda imagery.
The state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the paintings as depicting "one victory after another in the confrontation with imperialism and the U.S. that have lasted for centuries." These artworks aim to convey a narrative of continuous triumphs in the face of external threats, reinforcing the regime's message of resilience and strength.
North Korea emerged as a nation following the end of World War II and the surrender of Japan, which had annexed the country in 1910. The Soviet Union occupied the northern region of the Korean Peninsula, while the southern part saw the establishment of South Korea. The demilitarized zone (DMZ) was later created in 1953 as a buffer zone between the two entities.
The paintings exhibited also highlight the "daily-changing appearance of the country under the guidance of the Central Committee of the great Workers' Party of Korea," presenting a narrative of progress and positive change. This portrayal of a thriving nation contradicts the reality faced by many North Koreans, who have been suffering from border closures and famine exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The dire situation has led to a surge in suicides across the country, prompting Kim Jong Un to label suicide as an "act of treason against socialism." Despite these challenges, the regime seeks to maintain a facade of progress and stability through public displays of Kim Jong Un's leadership and the party's vision for the country.
The official opening ceremony of the exhibition was attended by high-ranking officials, including Choe Chang Hak, the vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and Choe Hui Thae, the chairman of the Pyongyang Municipal People's Committee.
The identities of the artists responsible for the paintings remain unknown, as North Korea's ruling elite and Kim Jong Un's personal court are notoriously opaque and difficult to decipher. However, it has been reported that Kim Jong Un recently commissioned three mosaic murals of himself for public display, signaling his desire for increased visibility and adoration.
This display of public artworks featuring Kim Jong Un follows a pattern established by his father and grandfather, who also showcased portraits and statues during the early years of their reigns.
Notably, no statues of Kim Jong Un have been observed thus far. In addition to the portraits of the leaders, the exhibition included depictions of recent missile tests, such as the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and the military parade held in February.
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