Who painted Uri chungdae sosik?

Uri chungdae sosik was painted by Ch'ol Muk Ri in 2005.

Where can I see Uri chungdae sosik?

Uri chungdae sosik is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Uri chungdae sosik

Ch'ol Muk Ri , 2005

Uri chungdae sosik is a paint painting by Ch'ol Muk Ri. It dates from 2005 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This painting is called Uri chungdae sosik. It's a work by Ri, Ch'ol Muk, created in 2005.

The painting depicts a scene of soldiers reading a newspaper in a winter forest, reflecting a socialist realist style. This style is often associated with North Korean art.

To learn more about the artistic style and techniques used in this painting, look up the technique of sfumato.

Overview

Uri chungdae sosik is a 2005 painting by North Korean artist Ri Ch’ol Muk. Executed in oil on canvas, the work presents a winter forest scene populated by soldiers engaged in reading a newspaper. The composition reflects the conventions of socialist realism, a dominant aesthetic in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea during the early 21st century.

Subject & Meaning

The central figures are uniformed soldiers, gathered beneath leafless trees and snow-laden ground, each absorbed in a printed newspaper. The tableau suggests a narrative of informed vigilance, emphasizing the role of the armed forces as both protectors and participants in the collective ideological discourse. The winter setting underscores endurance and perseverance amid harsh conditions.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a realist manner, the painting employs muted, cool tones to convey the cold atmosphere, while careful modeling of forms creates a sense of three‑dimensional presence. Brushwork is smooth and controlled, aligning with the didactic clarity typical of socialist realist art, which prioritises legibility and narrative over experimental abstraction.

History & Provenance

Created in 2005, Uri chungdae sosik was produced during a period of renewed emphasis on patriotic themes in North Korean visual culture. The work is held in a state collection and has been displayed in exhibitions that illustrate the evolution of socialist realist imagery in the country’s contemporary artistic output.