The photographs in this project are of the border between North and South Korea. Specifically, they are of a region called the Joint Security Area (JSA). The border between North and South Korea (the 38th Parallel) is generally about three miles wide, a “no man’s land” filled with anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. The Joint Security Area is a “special administrative region” where the 38th Parallel is basically compressed into a thin line. This special administrative region is designed as a meeting place where military officials from both sides can meet and hold talks.
Ironically, no ordinary citizen from either North or South Korea can go and see the JSA (or at least, both governments make it very difficult). As a United States citizen, Alex was able to acquire permission to go to this area and take photographs of it. United States citizens, Japanese, and various other citizens from specially designated countries can acquire permission to tour the facility. It takes approximately six months with thorough background checks prior to the appointed travel time, in order to receive permission from the South Korean government to visit the JSA.
There was strict official control as to what the artist could photograph. Alex had to follow a guide and shoot only where it was allowed. Not following the strict rules could lead to a felony. The unusual color cast in the photographs is the result of the film receiving various X-Rays from security checks in and out of the complex. Thus, this manner in which this film is destroyed is indexical to the security procedures to get in and out of the base.
