Snapshots of a nation

Military dictatorship, atomic bombs, and looming war scenarios – little is known about North Korea in this country beyond what is shown daily on television. This was incentive enough for the young German-Swiss photographer Xiomara Bender (30) to create a major photo project about the country, its people, and their everyday lives.

She traveled there five times to portray the country known for its military dictatorship. She is now exhibiting her work at the Roschlaub Gallery under the title "North Korea. The Power of Dreams." "I want to give the local people a face," says Xiomara Bender, "because where anonymity is eliminated, empathy can perhaps develop." Her photographs convey profound impressions of the everyday life of a very special nation. The polarizing and interesting nature of the topic was also evident among the many guests at the opening. Hamburg's art lovers and those interested in politics crowded into the gallery. Among them were Asia expert and former HSV president Jürgen Hunke, fashion designer Valentin von Arnim, gastronomy experts Alice von Skepsgardh and Hubertus Henrich, and jewelry designer Colleen B. Rosenblat. "I am totally fascinated by the humanity that Xiomara Bender has sensitively captured in each portrait, and I am delighted to be able to exhibit these fantastic photographs," says gallery owner Kirsten Roschlaub. "After all, we all have dreams and desires."