(Minghui.org) On March 9, 2013 the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren International Exhibition was unveiled in the Provincial Government building of Udine, Italy. In his opening speech, the Governor of Udine Province thanked local Falun Gong practitioners for bringing the exhibition to Udine and praised their efforts to expose the persecution that is happening in China.

Governor Pietro Fontanini said, “We are fortunate to live in a relatively free country, and people can practice what they believe freely, but we also have a responsibility to speak out against such violence.”

Truth-Compassion-Forbearance
The works presented in the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren International Exhibition were all created by artists who practice Falun Gong. The exhibit is currently on a world tour. More information about can be found at FalunArt.org.

Local Falun Gong practitioners brought the exhibit to Udine Province in order to help local people learn more about Falun Gong and its key principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance (English translation of 'Zhen-Shan-Ren'). At the same time, the exhibit helps people recognize the senseless brutality of the persecution of Falun Gong in China, and gain a deeper appreciation for the peaceful resistance practitioners have shown to it.

The works of art have proven quite effective in speaking directly to the hearts of the thousands who have seen them. The exhibition is scheduled to continue through to the end of March.

Udine Province Culture Minister Enrico Pizza (left),
Governor Pietro Fontanini (middle) and Falun Gong representative (right)

Visitors  attending the opening ceremonies of the
Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren International Exhibit 

Dignitaries Enthusiastic about Exhibition
Governor Fontanini has been a strong advocate for the exhibition. He was shocked upon learning of the persecution and torture of Falun Gong practitioners in China. He thanked local practitioners for bringing the exhibition to the Italian public and praised their efforts to expose the persecution that is happening in China.

Udine Culture Minister Enrico Pizza also spoke at the opening ceremony. He said, “I sincerely wish the exhibition great success. I hope this exhibition provides many people an opportunity to practice Falun Gong. The values reflected in this exhibition also help us to understand our Chinese community and to better communicate with them.”

Visitors Moved by True Stories Depicted in Paintings
Many visitors were moved by the true stories depicted in the paintings. One gentleman commented: “These paintings are passing on important messages and they are touching the deepest area in our hearts. This exhibition gives us joy and hope.”

A group of women expressed their admiration for the artists for using art to share their message. They thanked practitioners for their hard work and promised to come back with their friends and families.

Visitors Express Appreciation in Comments
Below are just some of the comments left by visitors on the message board:

“I understand Chinese culture and Chinese people’s lives now.”

“Good vs. Evil. This nationwide persecution is senseless and ridiculous! How inhuman!”

The Culture Minister of Udine wrote: “I hope Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance sheds light on our community.”

Colonel Vittorio Mancini from the Alpine Julia Brigade visited the exhibition as well. He was overwhelmed by the content of the paintings, “I am so grateful for your efforts,” he told the practitioners, “I absolutely admire the exhibition artists who have brought such positive, vivid, and stunning works to us. I admire their skills and their works and I can see that they have brought hope to people. Thank you."