These Photos Taken in Secret Were Never Meant to Make it Out of North Korea

In Chilbo, a painter crafted an elaborate mural as part of a new project. When a foreigner attempted to photograph this work in progress, locals protested, believing such an incomplete piece shouldn’t be captured or shared prematurely.

Why hesitate to exhibit an artwork’s evolution? Are the concerns rooted in fear that the art won’t be appreciated in its developmental stages or that it implies its current state is not up to par with expectations?