Hee Sook KIM

Hee Sook Kim is a Korean American artist based in Philadelphia. Born and educated in Korea, Kim graduated from Seoul National University before earning her master’s degree from New York University. Since then, she has developed a distinctive artistic practice rooted in printmaking, Korean visual traditions, and a deep engagement with nature.

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Kim draws profound inspiration from Minhwa, Korean folk painting, and Sipjangsaengdo, the traditional imagery of the ten symbols of longevity. While these symbols originate from Korean culture, Kim expands their meaning beyond national boundaries. Rocks, clouds, water, mushrooms, turtles, birds, and deer appear in her work as universal signs of endurance, harmony, and renewal — elements of nature that can be found in America and across the world.

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Using techniques such as sugar lift, etching, and aquatint, Kim creates intricately detailed works that merge symbolic imagery with contemporary landscapes. Her practice moves fluidly between music, nature, and visual art, offering poetic reflections on memory, longevity, and the interconnectedness of life.

 

Kim has recently exhibited at Philadelphia International Airport, and her work continues to be shown in museums and cultural institutions internationally.