North Korean

After half a century of existence, North Korea is one of the most hated countries in the world, but also one of the most misunderstood. Obviously, the radical nature of this paradox hides a reality that is more complex than what we are given to see: war, famine, dissidents, nuclear programme, parades and military parades... Followed, supervised and accompanied step by step throughout his stay in North Korea, Stéphan Gladieu invents a space of freedom within the framework set for him. The creation of this photographic series depends intimately on the relationship that the photographer has established with his hosts. By choosing the portrait-mirror, often framed full body, which requires a frontal pose and a direct gaze, Stéphan Gladieu has come close to the propaganda image and has made his approach, if not familiar, at least understandable to the North Koreans. This series will undoubtedly reflect back to us our own representation, but it may also allow us to see the North Koreans through their own eyes.