(Minghui.org) “The paintings are silent, but they speak volumes,” commented Ms. Mariana Morari, who visited an art exhibition on Falun Gong held last month in the capital of Moldova. “It is important to speak out about equality, human values, and human rights,” she said.
The Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren International Exhibition was held in the Municipal Library B.P. Hasdeu from February 10-28, 2014. Zhen, Shan, Ren translates as Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, the main principles of Falun Gong. The artwork presented in the exhibition depicts the spiritual journey of those who practice Falun Gong, as well as the plight of practitioners amidst the ongoing persecution in China.
“The Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren Awakens People”
The opening of the exhibition on February 12, 2014 featured speeches by two special guests, Ms. Radmila Popovici-Paraschiv, a poet, and Ms. Nadejda Pădure, the director of the regional library “Mihail Sadoveanu” in Strășeni City, which hosted the exhibition in 2011 and 2012.
Ms. Nadejda Pădure said in her speech that the exhibition attracted keen interest from locals, resulting in an impressive number of visitors. “In modern society, where indifference is growing, the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren awakens people, both young and old. Congratulations to the organizers for their perseverance in promoting these pure paintings,” she said.
“Sadly, we distance ourselves from the divine with hatred and violence. I express my deep resistance against such brutality,” said Ms. Radmila Popovici-Paraschiv in her speech. She said she was moved by the profound messages conveyed by the paintings and by the courage of the artists in depicting goodness and an outrageous evil.
Pressure from Communist Party Officials
Visitors from the Chinese Embassy pressured the library director to close the exhibition, but without success. Embassy representatives also contacted city hall, but officials there refused to interfere with the event.
One former member of Parliament from the Communist Party said that he was not happy with the theme of the exhibition. He said that the Chinese Embassy might be offended, and that diplomatic ties with Chinese were important for the Republic of Moldova. However, when asked for his opinion about the serious violations of human rights in modern China, he said that he didn’t deny that they were true.
Many exhibition visitors condemned the Chinese Communist Party's persecution of Falun Gong. Ms. Alexandrina commented, “More than 20 years ago the communist regime in the Soviet Union collapsed. It is obviously time for the Chinese communist regime to fall. The people in these paintings don't deserve to be tortured, especially children. They are the hope of the future.”
Successful Exhibition
Due to its excellent location, and because the main public library of the capital city is a prominent venue and hosts many cultural events every week, the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren drew many visitors. Among them were famous writers and politicians.
One elderly woman said that when she visited the library that day she hadn't expected to encounter something so incredible and inspiring. The paintings “My Son” and “Orphan’s Sorrow” brought tears to her eyes. She wrote in the guestbook, “Impoverished with daily worries, I visit the library weekly, and this time was pleasantly surprised by the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren. Helped by a wonderful guide, I enjoyed very much the paintings and the dramatic stories of the painters.” She promised to tell her friends about the practice of Falun Gong and the tragedy taking place in China.
Another visitor, Ms. Revenco, commented in the guestbook, “I enjoyed the paintings and explanations. May this practice spread all around the world and bring light to our souls and minds.”
[Article submitted to the Minghui website on March 8, 2014 ]
Category: Parades & Other Community Events
