The work of Kim Young Sic, a South Korean artist, represents a special kind of beauty captured in simplicity. His paintings on colored backdrops are generally composed of apples, clouds, stars, moons and plants. These geometric patterns symbolize his optimistic attitude towards life.

"I hope my life is filled with happiness and beauty. I also hope those who look at my paintings can experience the same beauty in their lives," said Kim at the opening ceremony of his solo exhibition held from December 22 to December 28 at No.1 Taijichang Street, Dongcheng District.

Carving and painting are the two key processes in Kim's artworks. His pictures are made of sandalwood covered by acrylic-painted canvases. His works are not confined only to paintings, but also rings, necklaces and other handicrafts. Some of his paintings have also been printed on calendars in South Korea.

On this occasion, the theme of Kim's 35th solo painting exhibition in Beijing is the dream. The apples, clouds and flowers in his pictures became spiritual symbols. In one of his pictures, he has painted two growing shoots symbolizing two people in a close relationship. "I like drawing plants. Flowers and leaves are good symbols of spiritual beauty which can be shown in pictures and echoed by the audience," said Kim. According to the artist, he paints his pictures to make people feel happy and warm as well as to encourage them to face their lives with courage.

A graduate of Yeungnam University in 1985 who studied abroad in Tokyo Gakugei University in 1990, Kim has published albums of two collections of his paintings, I'm waiting for you and You are in my heart. "Although there are misfortunes in life, my paintings present only images of happiness. Compared with any sadness, gratitude for the gift of life is much more important to me," said Kim.

(China.org.cn by Wu Jin December 23, 2008)