Kim Jong-un exhibition reopens after ban on drawings of dictator lifted

A symbolic white horse long used in government propaganda to enhance Leader Kim's prestige as «supreme leader». — occupies a prominent place in works of art. Photo: KCNA.

A series of extravagant oil paintings depicting Kim Jong-un was unveiled after a ban on painting North Korea's authoritarian leader was lifted.

The painting shows Kim's greeting. children and agricultural workers as a benevolent ruler, as well as emphasizing his military prowess and looking down from Mt. Paektu, the highest peak in the North and the central part of the mythology of the Kim Dynasty.

The symbolic white horse — a long one is used in state propaganda to enhance prestige leader Kim as «supreme leader» is also featured prominently.

Paintings reinforcing Kim's «cult of personality» debuted this week as part of the North's celebration of the end of the 1950-1953 war with the South.

The art exhibition demonstrates the shift in propaganda politics around Kim Jong-un, showing his image in a more central position than those of his father and grandfather. Photo: KCNA A painting depicting Kim welcoming children and farm workers as a benevolent ruler. Photo: KCNA

Thursday marked 70 years since the signing of the truce that ended the conflict, even though no peace treaty has been signed and the two Koreas are technically still in conflict. war.

While the South marked the event with a grim memory of the fallen, the North took a more triumphant approach to the event, which it calls «Victory Day», by holding a massive military parade in central Pyongyang.

Troops marched at a goose step alongside the regime's most powerful nuclear weapons and the latest drone technology, while Kim Jong-un, flanked by a senior Chinese politician on one side and the Russian defense minister, sought to portray his public as a statesman despite ongoing internal troubles

The art exhibition seemed to showcase a shift in propaganda politics around Kim, showing his image in a more central position than those of his father Kim Jong Il and grandfather Kim Il Sung, who are publicly revered as deities in the impoverished country.

Artists were previously banned from painting portraits of Kim Jong-un. Credit: KCNA

The change in tradition signaled a possible move towards more direct worship of Kim, who has been in power for more than a decade.

He also reportedly commissioned three mosaic murals of himself for public viewing.

Hundreds attended the opening of the paintings, state media reported.

Artists were previously banned from painting images of Kim, and although North Koreans are required to bow before public statues of his ancestors, there are no known monuments to the young leader.

The latest exhibition features small paintings of Kim's predecessors, placing him at the heart of the family dynasty.

The items were meant to remind visitors of the «tradition of winning the war.» about Kim Jong Il and his son «the illustrious commander,» according to KCNA Watch, which combines state media reports.