North Korea is a country shrouded in mystery, with its dictatorial regime reluctant to release any information about it at all, but Raphael Olivier's photography series gives a glimpse at the buildings that populate Pyongyang, the capital and the country's biggest city.
Immediately noticeable in the series is that, though the buildings seem elaborate, well-constructed, and architecturally interesting, they lack people. While interior shots are usually populated, Raphael Olivier's exterior shots are almost exclusively devoid of any citizens. Thus, while the buildings look somewhat attractive, the scenes ultimately come off as derelict, as if looking at a ghost town.
North Korea is a reclusive nation, and Raphael Olivier's camera offers outsiders the opportunity to get even a small idea of what the country looks like on the inside.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Architectural Abandonment
- Opportunity to repurpose and revitalize abandoned architecture in various cities around the world.
- Exploring Closed Societies
- Opportunity to document and uncover the hidden stories and unique architecture of secretive countries.
- Urban Decay Photography
- Opportunity to capture the beauty and desolation of decaying urban landscapes in both established and emerging cities.
Where This Applies
- Urban Revitalization
- Opportunity for architects, urban planners, and developers to transform abandoned buildings into new and innovative spaces.
- Travel Photography
- Opportunity for photographers to explore closed societies and capture unique and untapped architectural scenes.
- Art and Photography
- Opportunity for artists and photographers to showcase the beauty and decay of urban landscapes, providing a different perspective on architecture and society.
