Photo of the Faculty Members at Pyongyang Art University, unknown
An art education institute established in 1947 in Pyongyang to educate professional artists with a foundation in the methods and practice of realism. The university was first established in September 10, 1947 under the name Pyongyang School of Fine Arts, and in September 16, 1949 it was elevated to the position of National University of Fine Arts. The university consisted of three departments: the painting department, sculpture department, and design department. The curriculum was divided into a three-year main program and two-year research program. The name of the institute was changed to the Pyongyang University of Fine Arts in 1952. At present, the school consists of the Joseon art department, which consists of a Joseon art major and calligraphy major; the painting department, which consists of a painting major and a mural major; sculpture department; crafts department; industrial arts department; and a publishing and art theory department. A specialized middle-school level education program, and a Juche Art Institute also exist, the latter of which consists of a two-year research division, equivalent to a Master’s program, and a three-year research division, equivalent to a doctoral program. Alumni have participated in the creation of North Korean memorials such as the
Chollima Monument,
Mansudae Grand Monument, and
Bocheonbo Victory Monument. Celebrated alumni include; Chung Chang-mo, a Joseon artist; Shin Bong-hwa, a pioneer of boseokhwa (paintings using figments made of natural stone powders) and the head of the Mansudae Changjaksa Joseon Boseokhwa Changjakdan; Hwang Byeong-ho, painter of
Geumnihwa; and Yun Ryong-suk, who is known as the “Unification Sculptor.”
* Source: Multilingual Glossary of Korean Art. Korea Arts Management Service
