From Where I See.

This morning while I was reading the papers online, I stumbled across an article in Jane's journal citing the development of an ER(extended range) scud missile derivative. The range of the delivery system was anywhere between 600 kms to a 1000 kms. For many years North Korea has been in the cross hair of a lot of international scrutiny. The concern that the tyrannical state's capability to use nuclear weapons has grown especially after the news of Pyongyang procuring materials on delivery systems and heavy water generation.

I decided to find more material on the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). For me, it was a question of reading up about life in the Communist State, about its rich and beautiful landscapes untouched by tourism and the nation's zest to get back and restructure itself after the devastating Korean war. I searched through the web and found a lot of articles ranging from records uploaded by the CIA to the official homepage of the DPRK. But, the most intriguing of them all was a site containing pictures of the four major cities. You can find it here. It is so true to say that a picture speaks a thousand words. I will read some more and if time permits, post a few thoughts and opinions. In the mean time, do take a look at this section on Lonely Planet's webpage that provides an unbiased description of N Korea's breathtaking beauty and culture.

• A very impressive Monument to the Martyrs.
• More impressive War sculptures; the Mansudae.

Of course these monuments are a medium of Communist propaganda, but I see them from an artist's point of view. The intricate details, folds in clothes, the compositions, the expressions of selfness even at the prospect of self sacrifice captured, the symbolic unity, the feel of polished bronze and above all the human character. To me, these are the impressive qualities.

Source: A wonderful pictorial site by Mr.Debrisson