Installation from Beatriz Monteavaro. Photo by Zachary Balber

There is a lot going on in the inspiration for “International Friendship Exhibition,” which opened up during Art Basel at Primary Projects. There are themes of contradiction, of propaganda, of the truly bizarre world of North Korea. That’s right, the name actually is taken from a pavilion in that hermit kingdom filled with we can only imagine what, but likely over-the-top kitsch. And the ultimate contradictions.

But you don’t really have to follow that if you don’t want. The group show features from interesting work from locals and non-locals alike.

Your first encounter is to the right, a room installation from Beatriz Monteavaro. Those familiar with her work will recognize it right away: a glowing, black-light horror house, filled with kitschy images plastered on walls and ceiling. Kim Jung-un couldn’t top it.

In the main room, the most truly unsettling piece in the exhibit hangs on the left wall. Zachary Balber has snapped a prostitute on a Miami street. But not randomly; he has asked her to pose for him, and she has bared one breast while straight-forwardly staring at the camera. The image is indelible. Balber, known for his direct and sometimes provocative photography, has another work here, a series of snapshots of his sister. You’ll have to find out for yourself the back story.

In fact, make sure when taking in the 19 artists showing in this exhibit (which also include Gavin Perry, Jim Drain and Michael Vazquez) that you ask one of the artists who run the space to tell you a bit about them and the work. These pieces are not just thrown together; those themes make sense once you delve into this “friendship pavilion.”

“International Friendship Exhibition” runs through Feb. 21 at Primary Projects, 151 N.E. 7th St., Miami; [email protected]; primaryprojectspace.com.