What inspired you to become a globetrotting documentary photographer?
I grew up in Germany on the countryside and enjoyed traveling with my parents. Beyond the European borders, we also travelled around Asia in the early 1980s. Back in the day, this was a rare, almost revolutionary travel destination. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by other cultures, largely because of my parents’ influence. When a culture is more different, closed or unknown to me, the more I am attracted to it.
What was it like working with KITC (Korean International Company)?
We started each day at the break of dawn and travelled extensively through the country, where the prevailing late summer guaranteed excellent photographic conditions. During the week, we covered miles on three-laned motorways seemingly reserved for us. We featured the cities: Pyongyang, Kaesong, Nampo, Wonsan and connected those places with their ancient historical monuments. These were wonderful crossroads of cultural interest and untouched nature—entirely unknown to the West.
How different are your images to the stereotypes perpetuated by the media about North Korea?
I feel they are very different. In contrast to the international perception of North Korea because of harsh images conveyed by international media, I tried to observe and mirror the country as it is without judgement. I tried to show pictures that featured everyday life, pleasures and incidences. This way, my style allowed me to reflect the country’s very own and special composition of colours, space and dimensions in a neutral way, thus leaving the judgment to the eyes of the beholder. And that is where beauty is supposed to be.
Your favorite image?
Episodes of a Revolutionary Past 2. I like the intensity of the color, the mass, the unity and the power of beauty by details. Over a thousand dancers fascinated me with their synchroncity and precision, as well as the controversy—how far the motive is shown in a plausible context, situation or background.
Inga Beckmann’s photography exhibition is on from Jun 2-30 at Vue Privée, 20 Cairnhill Rd., 6338-7821. Free.
