Kim Soo Young

Korean Contemporary Art by Kim Soo Young - Queen Wearing an Octopus Crown

2023

Kim Soo Young is a Korean artist born in 1978 who lives and works in Seoul, South Korea. Through over two decades of deep immersion in French artistic traditions, Soo Young Kim has forged a unique creative identity that defies easy categorization. Born in Korea but transformed by her years in France, she moves fluidly between the realms of fine art and fashion, masterfully blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital innovation. Her work poses provocative questions about authenticity, replication, and originality in our contemporary artistic landscape. Soo Young's latest series explores an enduring symbol of female power - the Queen. Throughout history, queens have embodied far more than mere hereditary authority; they represent the pinnacle of feminine influence, wisdom, and commanding presence. While historical narratives often spotlight kings, visionary queens like Cleopatra VII and Elizabeth she proved that women could be transformative forces, fundamentally reshaping societies and civilizations through their leadership. In these works, Soo Young boldly reimagines queenship for the 21st century. Her queens derive their authority not from royal lineage but from their own fierce authenticity, determination, and achievements. The pieces interweave portraits of historical monarchs with images of modern female pioneers - innovative executives, groundbreaking scientists, visionary artists, and community leaders. Through this dynamic visual dialogue between past and present, Soo Young illuminates how female power has evolved beyond traditional constraints, flowing into every sphere of contemporary life. The result is a compelling meditation on how women continue to redefine leadership and excellence on their own terms.