Laos: A Socialist realist-style statue of King Sisavang Vong (or Sisavangvong) (14 July 1885 - 29 October 1959) in Vientiane. The statue was a gift from the Soviet Union.

Sisavang Phoulivong (or Sisavangvong) (14 July 1885 - 29 October 1959), was King of Luang Phrabang and later the Kingdom of Laos from 28 April 1904 until his death on 20 October 1959.

His father was king Zakarine and his mother was Queen Thongsy. He was educated at Lycée Chasseloup-Laubat, Saigon, and at l'École Coloniale in Paris. He was known as a 'playboy' king with up to 50 children by as many as 15 wives.

Socialist realism is a style of realistic art which was developed in the Soviet Union and became a dominant style in other communist countries. Socialist realism is a teleologically-oriented style having its purpose the furtherance of the goals of socialism and communism. Although related, it should not be confused with social realism, a type of art that realistically depicts subjects of social concern. Unlike social realism, socialist realism often glorifies the roles of the poor.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia

Theme:

Socialist Realism