(Minghui.org) The Finland Falun Dafa Association held the Art of Zhen Shan Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance) International Exhibition at Galleria Albert IX in Helsinki, Finland, from July 20 to August 14, 2021. 

Albert IX Gallery is in the downtown Punavuori district, near a large number of museums, other art galleries, design shops, antique markets, and theaters, as well as other landmarks in the field of art and design – a focal point for local artists and art students.

Visitors to the exhibition were deeply moved by the beauty of Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong) and the faithfulness of Falun Dafa practitioners as reflected in the 28 paintings. People were shocked by the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of this peaceful cultivation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. They were moved by the spiritual realm shown by the practitioners in the paintings. Several people who viewed the exhibition said they wished that everyone would follow Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

“Everyone Should Come to View the Paintings”

Painter Alison Wiklund

Painter Alison Wiklund learned about the art exhibition during a Falun Gong event in downtown Helsinki at the end of June. She had been riding her bicycle when she had seen the words “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance” on a tent. The word “Compassion” had resonated with her, so she stopped to talk with Falun Gong practitioners.

Ms. Wiklund had visited China in the early 1980s and adopted a Chinese girl. She felt a deep connection with China, and she admired every painting on the opening day of the exhibition. She spent two and a half hours in the exhibition hall.

“I have heard of Falun Gong and the persecution, but I had no idea that the persecution is so tragic,” she said. “The evidence is so complete. The data is so amazing. I doubt how many people really know the severity of the persecution.”

“Behind every painting is a story,” she said. “The exhibition tells the story about people with belief who are not allowed to express their belief or live according to their belief in China. If they are loyal to their own faith, they and their families will experience very painful suffering.”

She said she hoped her children would not be persecuted because of their faith. She said no one should be persecuted because they want to be good. 

“I wish that everyone followed Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” she said.

Björn Larsen

Björn Larsen viewed the art exhibition and was deeply moved by the stories illustrated in the artworks.

“This art exhibition is a surprise,” Mr. Larsen said. “It is really outstanding and touching. This is noble art. The works of the art exhibition tell the story clearly: people are persecuted because of their faith; they remain firm and oppose evil.”

The paintings “Tears of Grief and Joy” and “Position” impressed him the most. “The beautiful colors are inspiring and give people hope,” he said. “The painters are outstanding artists. Everyone should come to see the paintings. I am honored to be here. I sincerely wish all the best to the Chinese Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted.”

“Care and Compassion”

Juhana Huikko

Juhana Huikko is a company manager who lives in Vantaa, Finland. After viewing the paintings, he said, “Very beautiful paintings. Beautiful and sad, these two feelings are intertwined.”

“The beautiful message displayed from tranquility and peace is a kind of care and compassion,” he said. “On the other hand, this persecution aims at peaceful and innocent people. So viewing these works, I feel very sad for the harm they suffer. People are tortured and killed because of their belief. This is unacceptable.”

He was impressed most with the painting “The Fa Rectifies the Universe.” 

“It does not contain one kind of person or one belief, but embraces many different races and different gods, and they can be together,” he said. 

“Human rights issues must be resolved, no matter how long it takes, even if it takes 10, 20 or 50 years of hard work. But we must not give up fighting for freedom of belief, because it belongs to everyone,” he said.

Influencing Others with Kindness

Tim Adam Tuomikoski (left) 

Entrepreneur Tim Adam Tuomikoski said that the content of the artworks shocked him. 

“The persecution is so severe,” he said. “The police’s ferocious expression contrasts with the practitioner’s expression and peaceful meditation. Even in a difficult environment, Falun Gong practitioners still reflect positiveness, sunshine and peace.”

He believes that the works of the art exhibition are of great significance. “What the works show is coordination, peace, focus and positiveness. The works tell people that even if the surrounding environment is negative, one must maintain a positive spirit in their hearts,” he said.

Ada Koistinen writes in the guestbook.

Undergraduate student Ada Koistinen said the artworks showed courage and harmony.

Ms. Koistinen stayed in the exhibition hall for three hours. She had been writing an article in the coffee shop across from the art exhibition hall and had a strong urge to come over and take a look at the exhibition. 

She said she felt sad, angry and inspired after viewing the paintings. “Believe in the power of truth and know that what you are doing is correct, people will be firm,” she said.

“When a person reaches a realm, he understands the cause of pain and at the same time uses kindness to influence others. This is truly touching,” she said.

“Intense Experience and Eye-opening”

Tom Wagner

Tom Wagner, who works in information technology, said he liked the art exhibition very much. He was particularly impressed by the two works “The Sins of Sujiatun” and “Firmness in the Persecution.” 

“The facial expression of the doctor in the painting ‘The Sins of Sujiatun’ is regretful. He probably thought at the time that he had the right to do anything. The painting indicates that he would not be proud of what he did. He felt guilty about why he only followed the instructions of his superiors at the time,” Wagner said.

“In the painting ‘Firmness in the Persecution,’ the lady looks at the person in front of her, as if thinking, ‘What a pitiful thing you have done.’ I firmly believe that she was strong enough to bear all of this,” Mr. Wagner said.

Mr. Wagner wrote an email to express his gratitude to the organizer. “This is a very strong experience and eye-opening. People should really look at their so-called problems in their daily lives from a certain angle,” he wrote. “You are doing such delicate and valuable work. I wish you all the best.”