Before outsiders affected the art and culture of North Korea, the region produced many Buddhist images. Buddhist paintings existed in North Korea as early as 750 AD and continued in popularity until the late 1300s. Chinese influence, including the implementation of Confucianism, changed the art and culture of North Korea and brought about many new styles, including the use of calligraphy and landscape paintings. However, the Japanese occupancy of 1910-1965 destroyed much of the art produced in North Korea.
The early art and culture of North Korea reflected religion, nature and daily life. Today, the culture of modern politics directly affects the purpose of art in North Korea. The Communist power enforced by Kim Il-Sung during the 1950s has converted the art and culture of North Korea. Art and culture revolve around obedience to the law and worship of Kim, according the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Studies. Although Kim Il-Sung died in 1994, his son Kim Jong-il continues to control the arts and culture in North Korea. Most of the artwork produced in North Korea today centers on worship of Kim, including public displays such as murals and statues. Pieces of art depicting nonpolitical aspects of North Korean culture such as landscapes exist for tourists only and are not available for North Korean ownership, according to information reported by Countries and Their Cultures.
The strict control of the arts and culture in North Korea has a significant effect on its people. Artists lack the freedom to express emotions or thoughts that may seem to oppose the government. Disobedient artists risk severe punishment including death, according to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Studies. The governmental management of the arts in North Korea also affects the amount of money allotted for the arts. Artists of modern day North Korea cannot freely purchase materials such as oil paint.
Films in North Korea offer one exception to the general rule involving the arts. Kim Jong-il supports movies focused on approved sources of literature such as books from the post-WWII era. Unlike the artwork of the country, Kim does not require the film to focus on praise himself, his family or the country. Many films include general topics such as love and espionage and are affordable for North Koreans, according to Countries and Their Cultures.
Artists rarely receive recognition for creating images of Kim Jong-il. Pyongyang Painters offers a limited opportunity for North Korean artists to sell and receive recognition for artwork portraying nonpolitical images. Despite this fact, the artwork still lacks the freedom to go beyond generic images of still life and landscapes.