A graphic insight into the secretive world of North Korea

5 March 2018

London’s House of Illustration is hosting the UK’s first ever exhibition of graphic design from North Korea. Tickets, food wrappers and posters provide a fascinating insight into the creativity of the DPRK, and the image it wants to portray to both citizens and the few visitors they allow.

Hand-painted posters saying "More consumer goods for the people" and "Everything for the full achievement of the 1979 People’s Economic Plan" | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photographs by Justin Piperger

Sweet packet, early 1990s | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photograph by Justin Piperger

In the one-party state of North Korea there are no private companies: every item that bears a design, from food labels and event tickets to wrapping paper, postcards and posters, has been designed, approved and manufactured by the state.

London’s House of Illustration is hosting the UK’s first exhibition of graphic design from the country. Made in North Korea: Everyday Graphics in the DPRK features hundreds of everyday objects collected by Nicholas Bonner, who has unique relationship with the country.

Bonner first visited North Korea in 1993 on a study trip to China. On his return he set up Koryo Tours and has been leading group visits to the DPRK for 25 years. He is also the founder of Koryo Studio, who commission and sell work by DPRK artists, and has produced three award-winning documentaries about North Korea: The Game of Their Lives (2002), A State of Mind (2004) and Crossing the Line (2006).

Bonner says: “This collection represents common objects given beautiful status by the hand-drawn graphics from North Korea’s most creative designers. Some of the work is elaborate but the basic designs too should not be overlooked – minimalistic simplicity creating beautifully rhythmic artwork.”

Bonner has co-curated the exhibition, which follows on from the 2017 publication of his book Made in North Korea: Graphics from Everyday Life in the DPRK.

Made in North Korea: Everyday Graphics from the DPRK is at House of Illustration, London, until 13 May 2018.

Candy assortment box showing the Red Flag train on the east coast of Korea | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photograph courtesy of Phaidon

Invitation to the 55th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photograph courtesy of Phaidon

Ticket to Military Parade and People's Parade to mark the 40th anniversary of the Korean War | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photograph courtesy of Phaidon

New Year card featuring a factory worker demonstrating the range of products produced from soya beans | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photograph by Justin Piperger

Wrapping paper featuring Pyongyang's architectural highlights | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photograph courtesy of Phaidon

Assorted tinned food labels for pork, green beans and fish | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photograph courtesy of Phaidon

Performance ticket for a School Children's Palace (centres of extra-curricular excellence for local children) | Collection of Nicholas Bonner, photograph courtesy of Phaidon