Setting the Stage: North Korea

Having seen the first exposition of the photographer in Amsterdam on his North Korea/DPRK trips, I have been hoping that he would create a more lasting recollection of his photo's through a book. And what a book it is. The photographer has visited North Korea in total four times. Through his pictures he seeks to give a (brief) insight in the actual life and surroundings over there. He sought doing so in a manner approved by his guides, while maintaining his own artistic views, which makes his accomplishment even more impressive. People who know his work (he is quite a famous photographer in the Netherlands, who regularly publishes in the big newspapers) will recognise his artistic touch in these photo's.Not only has he managed to showcase his photo's in Amsterdam, but also did so in Pyongyang (which is extraordinary). This is one of the particularly interesting things about this book, as this shows that the photo's do not contradict the socialist utopian view (or even underline these) while still giving so much insight & bearing the touch of the (western) photographer. This combination makes this book one of a kind, and very interesting for people who are trying to grasp how socialist utopian architecture/views (allegedly) impact daily lives.At this moment he has a second exposition in Amsterdam.