Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) has launched Rise Up for Life, a special exhibition dedicated to the works of Korean feminist artist Kim In Soon (b. 1941). Running from August 29, 2024, to February 23, 2025, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of Korean feminist art. It showcases 20 key pieces from the artist's collection, along with archival materials, exploring the significant role Kim played in portraying the social realities faced by Korean women. Her art has long been a reflection of the struggle for gender equality and the unique beauty that arises from the intersection of women’s resilience and creativity.

Kim In Soon, an influential figure in Korea’s feminist art movement, used realism to depict the often-overlooked experiences of Korean women. Her career is rooted in the 1980s women's liberation movement, where she explored the positive power and vitality of women. Kim sought to create a distinctly Korean feminist art form, blending national symbolism with an unwavering commitment to portraying the lived realities of women. This dedication is evident in the 106 works she generously donated to the museum in 2020, including 96 of her own pieces and 10 collaborative banner paintings created with feminist art groups like the Women’s Art Research Society and the Labor Art Committee.

The Rise Up for Life exhibition is organized into three thematic sections that reflect Kim’s lifelong engagement with feminism and her focus on women’s societal roles. The first section, “As Being a Woman,” delves into how Kim reinterprets the narratives of women who have been marginalized in both historical and contemporary contexts. Through her artworks, she gives voice to those women whose stories have often been overlooked or silenced, allowing their strength and struggles to take center stage.

The second section, titled “Grasping Beauty,” celebrates the resilience of women who have overcome adversity. Kim’s work often depicts nature's femininity, with a particular focus on how life can bloom even in the harshest conditions. Her metaphor of women as “roots” that sustain life in barren environments echoes throughout her art, emphasizing the strength, tenacity, and life-giving force inherent in women’s experiences.

The final section, “Life, a Journey of Light,” highlights Kim’s exploration of motherhood and creation, portraying these as cosmic acts of renewal and continuity. The pieces in this section are influenced by the traditional styles of national art, but Kim reframes these techniques to emphasize the universal themes of life, growth, and the role of women in shaping humanity’s future. Her focus on the blessings and challenges of procreation reflects a deep reverence for the creative power of women, an essential theme that permeates her work.

Kim’s feminist activism extended beyond her art practice. She organized the groundbreaking feminist exhibition October Gathering - From Half to Whole in 1986, a landmark event in Korean art history. She also co-founded the Women’s Art Research Society and led various art movements that sought to highlight the unique experiences of women. Her influence has shaped the discourse on women’s art in Korea, and her work continues to inspire new generations of feminist artists.

The Rise Up for Life exhibition not only provides an intimate view into Kim In Soon’s artistic journey but also contextualizes her work within the broader narrative of Korean feminist art. By featuring archival materials alongside her paintings, sculptures, and drawings, the exhibition encourages viewers to reflect on the intersection of art, activism, and societal change. Kim’s work challenges traditional notions of beauty and art, advocating instead for a form of art that reflects the realities of labor, motherhood, and the perseverance of women in the face of adversity.

Seoul Museum of Art hopes that Rise Up for Life will enhance interest in Korean feminist art and foster discussions on the unique contributions of women artists to the country's cultural history. The exhibition’s thoughtful curation, with its focus on resilience, creativity, and the power of women’s experiences, underscores the enduring relevance of Kim In Soon’s work in today’s social and political landscape.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com