Li Jikai's paintings convey a mixed feeling of sadness, fatigue and perplexity shared by people of his generation. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Li Jikai's paintings convey a mixed feeling of sadness, fatigue and perplexity shared by people of his generation.

The artist keeps painting a little boy as the main subject of his works, symbolizing an inner self that refuses to grow up.

Li Jikai's paintings convey a mixed feeling of sadness, fatigue and perplexity shared by people of his generation. [Photo provided to China Daily]

At his ongoing solo exhibition in Beijing, Scenery in the Journey of Life, Li gives viewers a glimpse of his world — he is also a poet who seeks peace in isolation. But a few of his recent works show that Li is slowly opening his heart to the world and is beginning to enjoy various aspects of life.

The exhibition at Hive Center for Contemporary Art, at the 798 art district, runs through July 9.