Exposed:

An Analysis of Alan Taylor's "A Look Inside North Korea"

America has kept a close watch on North Koreas newest leader: Kim Jong-Un in the past years. The discussion of North Korea has become a particularly hot topic, and for good reason. Their “Military First” economy which prioritizes government spending towards military above all else has led their government to make drastically different choices from that of the United States. The strictness of the government has even led to the oversight of photography. Alan Taylor Photographer and Writer for the “Atlantic” has written several articles on North Korea. One of his most popular being “A Look Inside North Korea”. This compilation of photos focuses on the people of North Korea and gives the reader an idea of what it is like to live there. Westerners that come to take photos must be supervised and many of the photos are staged. However this collection offers a glimpse of the realities of North Korea. More importantly they show the effects of a “military first” economy on civilians.

Formal analysis

Taylor captures these said glimpses of the economy in several different ways. By taking a closer look at the methods of photography and compilation one can start to break down the walls and get a better idea of what North Korea has become. By taking a look at the rules of photography laid out in National Geographic’s “Complete Photography” and the art of storytelling through Scott McCloud’s “Understanding Comics” one can begin to understand the meaning behind Taylor’s pictures.

Disconnect through Focal Points

A common theme found in most of Taylor’s photos is this non sequitur connection of focal point and background. In both of these photos we see a focal point, one being a school teacher, the other a toy. With all focal points, the background should fall away and become its own entity entirely. However, in both photos the backgrounds tell completely different stories from the focal point. For example in photo A there is a school teacher dressed and ready for class. However the rest of the photo tells another story. A story of abandonment and closure. The staircase seems empty and lonely. The poorly lit walls cast uncomfortable shadows and age the painted walls. McCloud explains in “Understanding comics” how specific shapes and lines can evoke emotions. The paintings on the walls in photo A should create emotions of joy and warmth. However, due to the nature of the photo the viewer receives quite the opposite. This too is similar of photo B. The toy resting in the center of the photo appears to be the only well maintained object in the photo. The toy suggests prosperity and leisure, while the background is void of these things. Even the ledge the toy rests on is dated and aged, the cobblestone path is broken up and requires repair. The bright colors of the concrete chairs in the distance suggest a playful afterthought. This consistent disconnect between focal point and background forces the viewer to ask, what is the truth behind this story. In the case of North Korea, there is likely deception at play.

Isolation in Horizon Lines

The art of taking horizon line photos is explained with great detail in National Geographic’s “Complete Photography”. In fact Taylor seems to have used several of the major rules. One of which is the use of a silhouette. Using a silhouette not only adds scale but also “Conveys a powerful sense of isolation” (91). In picture C we see a boy running atop a hillside in the countryside. The true meaning behind this photo cannot be explained. However, what can be said is the composition of photo shows more hill side than sky, thereby conveying a sense that the hill is vast and adds to the overall isolation of the photo. For example in image D we see a woman standing along the riverbank. Again there is an overwhelming feeling of isolation and emptiness. In photo D the choice of having the lady at the center of the photo suggests a lack of visually implied movement. It is as if the city in the distance had been frozen in time. The large grey sky above also adds to the feeling of isolation. Combined with the still river and abandoned concrete waterfront, there is a perceived emotion of emptiness to the seemingly beautiful rivers edge across the river.

Priorities directed by Leading Lines

Leading lines are especially helpful for directing the viewers’ attention in a particular direction. In both examples it is clear where the lines are pointing to. In picture E we see the direction of the diagonal lines pointing towards the front of the room, at a video of a rocket. As a viewer we recognize that the most important thing in the room is what is happening on the screen. That being said, with the exception of the dated desks, the rest of the room lacks all character and importance. “Complete Photography” explains that these leading lines connect objects of importance with one another. In this particular image it suggests the employees sitting at the desks are deeply connected to the video of the rocket and nothing else. The book also explains how lines can affect the mood of an image. In photo A the diagonal lines imply action, this further enforces the concept that the employees are interacting with the screen. Image F however has more vertical lines which emphasize power. The irony in this is fantastic because the vertical (Power) lines are pointing directly at the two leaders of the communist party of North Korea. To add insult to injury the desks surrounding them are uniform and perfectly aligned which deprives all other properties of power. All of this is just shown through the proper use of leading lines. Taking this photo at face value, and not analyzing it as we have, any commoner could deduct the same reasoning. These two images depict a clear image of the internal power struggle of North Korea and point towards their distorted priorities.

Purpose

“Kim has given a few public indications that the countries “Military First” economy needs to change.” -Taylor

        As the title implies “A look inside North Korea”, Taylor asks two important questions through the use of photography. The first, what are the effects of a military first Government? Put simply, the effects seem to have reached every corner of society, from funding for schooling to personal leisure, the only person that is excused appears to be Kim himself. The second question, has anything begun to change? Taylor explains that years ago Kim declared 2013 a year of “Radical Turnabout”. This “Radical turnabout” sadly does not seem like it is for the interests of the 24 million inhabitants of North Korea. In Taylor’s 38 pictures there is no sight of positive change. No sight of development in government programs or reform. However, the military appears to be well funded and stronger than ever. Taylor is clear about this is his photos and attempts to exploit North Korea for their fraud.  

Content Analysis

As was mentioned before, these pictures all have an appeal to the emotions of the viewer. Taylor hides his message of foolery behind the rules of photography. Taylor was given a unique challenge; to photograph the truth of a Military first Government. This was only made more difficult considering he was under constant supervision by government officials, critiquing and staging photos wherever Taylor went. Being the professional photographer he is, Taylor utilized the hidden rules of photography and managed to escape with the truth. While looking at these photos there is an overall sense that what is shown is artificial and forced. Leaving the viewer to ask the question of what is real and what are the true emotions that are meant to be felt? This is similar to how credibility comes into play. In Taylor’s intro he writes that all pictures were taken under supervision of government officials. This helps prepare the audience for fabrication and suggests that even some of the brighter, more optimistic photos are likely staged. All credibility for North Korea is lost by this and replaced with a sense of caution.

Evaluation

Taylor’s ability to discredit an entire government is in itself a dangerous feat. By doing this Taylor has given us all a glimpse into North Korea. Not just the North Korea Kim Jong-Un wants America to see, but the economically deprived, War torn nation it really is. It is clear through his photos that the country has suffered greatly for its Governments priorities. Taylor does all of this under supervision, testing his ability as a photographer. For example in photo B what seems to be a harmless photo of a toy gun instead tells a story of neglect and hardship. In photo D we see a beautiful skyline and waterfront, our knowledge of photography reveals a different truth, one of isolation and emptiness. “A Look Inside North Korea” exemplifies what a photo essay should be. A compilation of photos revealing an unclear truth. Taylors Truth? That North Korea’s decision to prioritize its military above all else has been a curse on its economic state and threatened the wellbeing of its people. 

"A Look Inside North Korea." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016.

National Geographic Complete Photography. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2011. Print.

"North Korea Announces Five-year Economic Plan, Its First since the 1980s." Washington Post. The Washington Post, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016.

McCloud, Scott. Understanding Comics:. New York: HarperPerennial, 1994. Print.