Since sculpture is an installation art, I couldn't make money out of it. 'I realized that gaining recognition in school and debuting as a professional artist are two different worlds. Despite her efforts, she was unsuccessful. I also admire the works of French Impressionist painters,' she said.Īfter graduating from L'Ecole Superieure des Arts Decoratifs de Strasbourg, Gendry-Kim applied to numerous galleries in Paris. I chose to go to France because the tuition was almost free and Paris is the city of art.

Then I moved France to learn sculpting because I had passion for the arts.

'In Korea, I majored in Western painting at Sejong University. Having majored in painting and sculpture, she aspired to be an artist. 'Because I'm a woman and I've grown up watching my mother and sisters face gender discrimination in patriarchal society, I feel determined to tell stories that center on women,' she said.Īlthough she has a myriad of stories to tell through comics, being a cartoonist wasn't her childhood dream. In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Gendry-Kim said she feels the need to write stories about Korea's tragic history and characters who are marginalized. The book cover of the award-winning graphic novel 'Grass,' which depicts the life of a wartime sex slave / Courtesy of Drawn & QuarterlyĪ big focus of the cartoonist's work is women. The French edition of the book will hit the shelves in May and the English edition will be available in September this year. 'The Waiting' is currently being translated into six languages. It tells the story of a family's heartbreak following the country's division into North and South. Gendry-Kim's latest book 'The Waiting,' inspired by her mother's personal experience, revolves around Gwija, who was separated from her husband and son during the Korean War.

In addition to the Harvey Award, the book also earned the Slate Cartoonist Studio Prize, Krause Essay Prize, and nominations for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Eisner Awards, Believer Book Award, Ringo Award, YALSA Alex Award and YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list. Based on the testimony of the now elderly survivor of wartime sex slavery, Lee Ok-sun, Gendry-Kim addresses issues related to women and social class.

'Grass,' which has been translated into 14 languages, depicts the life of a 'comfort woman,' a victim of Japan's wartime sexual slavery. She was the first Korean cartoonist to win the prize, becoming a trailblazer in showing how subtle and serious the graphic narrative can be. GANGHWA ISLAND ― In 2020, cartoonist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim's graphic novel 'Grass' won the prestigious Harvey Award for best international comic book. Graphic novelist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim poses after an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe on Ganghwa Island, Jan.

Grass by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim