The Scalability of Kimsooja’s Art through the Coexistence of Local and Global Discourses

This study examines the artworks of Kimsooja, who, inspired by the practice of sewing, mainly uses traditional Korean methods as a case study, which shows how tradition can better convey contemporary narratives and connect with people. While arguing, Kimsooja’s art reflects the local character of Korea and global perspectives, it explores how her female body visualizes an independent human and simultaneously a member of a growing group of contemporary women artists from Asia and the Asian diaspora. Its process naturally lets people convey social and cultural messages in today’s world. Through various media, including installation, video, and performance, Kimsooja proves how the artist’s body and concept can serve as mediators connecting the world. Through her diverse works, which demonstrate a unique blend and compromise between tradition and contemporaneity, this study argues how Kimsooja combines traditional religion and contemporary ideology, claims women’s dignity, and expands the equality and value of humans Through this, the study aims to shed new light on the role and impact of women artists on today’s global art scene. It also offers to demonstrate how Asian women artists, while simultaneously embracing local and international perspectives, create a more empathetic and expansive visual culture, proving that they are no longer at the margins of contemporary global discourse.