Artist Lee Sun-Don poses in front of his artwork at the Asian Art Top Show in Beijing on January 5th, 2009. Lee's "Totemic Energy" oil paintings are representative of Buddhist teaching and ideals.[Liu Wei/CRI]

World renowned Taiwanese artist Lee Sun-Don has won numerous awards in his career. This is his first time participating in a mainland art fair, showcasing his famous Buddhism series. The artist spoke highly of the show's sublime motif that calls for a return to the clean, serious fine art and expressed his desire to convey truth, goodness and beauty in his works.

"We do not need to follow suite with others who expose the ugly, dark and shabby in art. We can also paint the beautiful and bright things in life." The artist added that China's long history and profound cultural heritage are priceless treasures and provide inspiration for artist.

Lee put seven of his artworks on charity sales at half of the international standard price during the show and will donate all the gains.

A visitor views an oil painting at the Asian Art Top Show in Beijing on January 5th, 2009. [Liu Wei/CRI]

As for how big the impact is on artworks and whether people should spend or not in this "dark" economic period, the art insider said the art market will also follow the volatile cycle of this financial crisis. The art market is anticipated to sink to a low during spring auction sales this year, and then prices will spiral up in time for this year's autumn auction period.

Renowned South Korean artist Kim Hak Kon says he came here to learn how well other artists are doing. His morale has been boosted by talking to other painters.