Description

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Intriguing images challenging misconceptions and stereo- types surrounding this often-misunderstood country

In January 2020, North Korea has officially closed its borders. But even
before that date, photographing the enigmatic landscapes of North Korea
posed immense challenges due to the regime's strict control and
prohibition of unauthorized photography. However, armed with a vast
archive of images captured painstakingly over two years, Tariq Zaidi
curates a selection of more than 100 remarkable photographs that offer a
glimpse into North Korean society. Zaidi's lens skilfully captures the
resilience, spirit, and cultural nuances of the North Korean people in
their everyday lives. Each photograph acts as a window into a hidden
reality, unveiling the intricate interplay between tradition and
modernity while illuminating the complex dynamics of a nation navigating
its path amid global scrutiny. Following the award-winning Sapeurs. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo, this is Zaidi's second publication with Kehrer Verlag.

About the Author

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Tariq Zaidi, a London-based photographer, transitioned his career in 2014 to pursue his passion for capturing the dignity, strength, and soul of people in their environments. His photography focuses on critical social issues, systemic inequalities, cultural traditions, and marginalized communities worldwide. In 2020, Zaidi gained recognition for his debut book, Sapeurs. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo, which received acclaim as a finalist for the Lucie Photo Book Award, Photography Book of the Year by Pictures of the Year International (POYi), and African Photobook of the Year. Vogue also named it one of the Best Fashion Books of the Year, and it was showcased at the Visa pour l'image International Festival of Photojournalism. His second book, Sin Salida, released in 2021, delved into human rights issues in El Salvador, earning him top honours at the 2020 Media Awards by Amnesty International and the International Photography Awards (IPA) in 2022. The book was also a finalist for the Lucie Photo Book Prize and POYi's 'Photography Book of the Year' in 2023.Zaidi's photography has been featured in over 1,000 publications across 90 countries, including The Guardian, BBC, National Geographic, CNN, Washington Post, Newsweek, Der Spiegel, GQ, Marie Claire, and Vogue. With over 70 international awards, including honours from Sony World Photography Awards and the National Press Photographers Association's (NPPA) Best of Photojournalism Awards his work has been exhibited in more than 90 international exhibitions, spanning projects in 25 countries across four continents. Tariq Zaidi is a self-taught photographer with an M.Sc. degree from University College London.