Understanding True Art Through Shen Yun

(Minghui.org) I dedicated many years of my life to the profession of art. I experienced numerous ups and downs, and finding the right path in this field was extremely challenging for me.

Through practicing Falun Dafa, I was finally able to understand the true meaning of art, its essence, and the role it plays in human life. I managed to break free from the art community’s trajectory toward modern art and return to the pure path of classical art. It became clear to me that I must improve my skills every day.

However, even though I understood why art existed, I was unsure whether it held value or a place in today’s world. I couldn’t find a pure environment aligned with the artistic values that existed in ancient times in this modern world. I’m not good at socializing and I had no desire to participate in the art circles that exist in today’s society. I searched for a way to present my art to the public, hoping that I could contribute to enhancing societal values through my work.

When I recently heard that a media published slander about Shen Yun, it truly broke my heart. I deeply wished I could do something to let everyone know that what the article claimed could not be true because it contradicts the principles I’ve learned through practicing Falun Dafa.

I recently read some articles written by practitioners who work with or volunteer for Shen Yun. I’ve been helping with Shen Yun for some time now and decided to write a brief account of my own experience. I witnessed significant improvement in my artistic skills—progress that cannot be easily achieved in ordinary society because today’s world does not uphold or cherish proper artistic values. The artistic advancement I’ve experienced in the short period I worked with Shen Yun surpasses anything I encountered in all my years in the art profession. At last, after years of searching, I found my artistic path.

Reflecting on the World’s Great Artists

As an artist, I know how difficult it can be for someone to take even the smallest steps in the art world to gain fame and have an income. One might have to do things and walk paths that are in no way worthy of a true artist. In the past, great artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo worked tirelessly to achieve their artistic goals. Instead of focusing on worldly gains for their works, they concentrated on the beauty, finesse, and impact their creations could have on viewers.

Michelangelo stated that his mastery was not a reflection of innate genius. Instead, he viewed “genius” as a form of “great patience.” In Giorgio Vasari’s writings (a Renaissance artist and author), Michelangelo is quoted regarding his perseverance: “Michelangelo told me that in his youth, he often slept at night in his work clothes because he was too exhausted from working all day to remove them. As he aged, he wore boots for months on end, such that when he finally tried to remove them after several months, the skin of his feet came off along with the boots.”

Vasari also wrote about the Sistine Chapel frescoes: “These wall paintings were created with great hardship, as Michelangelo had to keep his head tilted backward the entire time while painting. This position strained his neck to such an extent that his vision became so impaired that he could only see properly when his head was tilted back; he endured this for several months.”

In addition to physical hardships, Michelangelo faced pressures and challenges from family. His brother died, and his brother’s wife’s demanded her dowry. There were family illnesses, and financial difficulties. It was said that the Pope did not pay Michelangelo well, and most of his earnings supported his family.

Leonardo da Vinci’s life also holds a great mystery. He was known for his immense generosity and was kind and considerate to everyone, from humans to animals. In my understanding, his moral qualities allowed him, despite earning less than other artists of his time, to dedicate his life to his values and passions. He created numerous masterpieces, and he is considered one of the great artists of that era.

Collaborating with individuals who value ethics and allow everyone to find their path and unleash their creativity is rare and precious. I consider this journey incredibly valuable and strive wholeheartedly to contribute to, and assist Shen Yun.

Helping with Shen Yun clarified the purpose of my artistic life. I once again realized the importance of proper training and fundamental skills in producing high-quality and meaningful works. I deeply felt that creating art that aligns with Shen Yun’s artistic standards requires a pure mind free from any inappropriate elements. Every day, I strive to improve my artistic skills while paying greater attention to cultivating and enhancing my inner character (xinxing). Kindness and consideration of others are qualities I was able to improve significantly during this process.

I’m not very skilled at writing. There’s so much I want to say, and I tried my best. I hope I’ve been able to share a part of the transformation that has taken place within me, with you.

Articles in which cultivators share their understandings typically reflect an individual’s perception at a point in time based on their cultivation state, and they are offered in the spirit of enabling mutual elevation.