The Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang is the DPRK’s premier art production center and is responsible for the majority of artworks seen throughout the country, from scenic oil paintings to the country’s well known socialist realist posters.

Founded in November 1959, the Mansudae Studio has over the years grown to accommodate a labor force of over 4,000 people, of which over 700 members alone today are artists.

While large statues designed and built by the studio’s overseas art projects wing can be found in nearly ten countries throughout Africa, North Korean art is rarely found – let alone toured –