The Epoch Times: International Art Exhibition Opens in Devonport (Photo)

NZ Epoch Times Staff
February 21, 2006

A beautiful performance from the graceful New Universe Dance Group and a ribbon cutting ceremony heralds the opening of the acclaimed "Truthfulness Compassion Forbearance" Art Exhibition. (Don Chen/NZ EET)

The Depot Artspace is currently host to the International "Truthfulness Compassion Forbearance" Art Exhibition which opened on Sunday February 18.

The exhibition runs until Thursday February 23, and can be viewed free of charge at 28 Clarence Street, Devonport.

The art on display consists of nearly 40 pieces created by international artists from Australia, Canada, United States, Japan, and Taiwan.

What makes this exhibition so unique is that all the artists practice Falun Gong, a spiritual practice introduced to China in 1992.

The exhibition, opened by local Falun Gong Practitioners (cultivators of Falun Gong), was well received by attendees. In his opening speech Sam Murphy explained the journey of Falun Gong.

"After being introduced by Mr. Li Hongzhi in 1992, the practice became very popular. An estimated 70 to 100 million Chinese were practicing the virtues of truthfulness, compassion, forbearance by 1999," said Mr. Murphy, a Falun Gong practitioner himself.

The Chinese communist regime saw this as a real threat to their controlling power, and the former leader of China, Jiang Zemin, banned Falun Gong in July 1999.

Since then, Falun Gong practitioners in China have suffered severe persecution at the hands of the communist regime with Jiang Zemin decreeing that, "no means are too excessive" in the attempt to eliminate the practice.

This journey of Falun Gong is portrayed in four parts throughout the exhibition, with the beholder first witnessing the "Beauty of Cultivation." One of these paintings, In Harmony by Chen Xiaoping from Canada, shows a woman sitting in tranquil meditation - the fifth exercise of Falun Gong.

Part two of the exhibition "Uncompromising Courage" depicts the horrendous methods the communist regime in China use to try and break the
practitioners' wills and "transform" them so that they denounce their beliefs.

With names like Abuse, Hanging Torture, Force Feeding, Inhumane, and many more, the sickening nature of the persecution is revealed.

Part three and four, "Calling for Justice" and "Justice Prevails" show the many peaceful approaches practitioners use to raise awareness, on a global scale, of the true story of Falun Gong.

What makes the artists even more extraordinary is the fact that many have endured the persecution and torture first-hand, bringing their experiences to life in a powerful and poignant manner.

The opening ceremony incorporated a stirring rendition on the Pipa, by Michelle, and four dancers in traditional Chinese costume, before the exhibition was officially declared open with a ribbon cutting.

All are welcome to view the International "Truthfulness Compassion Forbearance" art exhibition and more information and free downloads of the art are available on www.falunart.org.

Source http://english.epochtimes.com/news/6-2-21/38514.html