Waiting for the Rainbow, Ten Years in North Korea by Xiomara Bender

Ten Years in North Korea

There are few countries in the world that remain so closed that almost no one from outside gains insight. North Korea is certainly one of the most secluded. The dictatorship, which has been ruled by the same family for generations, prohibits almost all contact beyond its borders, isolating 26 million inhabitants from the rest of humanity. This is why Xiomara Bender's photo book "Waiting for the Rainbow" is so valuable, as it deals with the Korean region in a very honest way.

The author portrays the lives and daily routines of the people in this country, which few get the chance to know. She wants to draw attention to the many destinies and the changes of recent years, which in this strict dictatorship are only possible in subtle micro-steps. Through her photographic journey through time, her readers can witness this transformation that brings hope. People who appear more self-assured as the book progresses, a smile that turns into laughter, clothing that gradually reflects more fashion than uniformity. All of this is shown to us by the author in emotionally resonant images.

Over almost ten years, Bender undertook nine trips to North Korea to bring back this unique photo documentation. The award-winning artist wants to break through the culture of deliberate ignorance about North Korea with her work and, without reproach, draw attention to the unvarnished daily lives of the people who live there and their state-orchestrated routines.

In addition to the moving images, the author encourages reflection through many short texts, without coming across as didactic. Her language is art, which opens up to those who pave the way.