“Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance” Art Exhibit Debuts in Benelux

Meditation, persecution, global advocacy—these are just a few topics shown in the intricate paintings on display in the city of Turnhout in Belgium. This art exhibit is dedicated to Falun Gong, an ancient meditation practice the Chinese regime has been persecuting for past 13 years.

[Matthias Slaats, Representative of Belgian Falun Dafa Association]:
“We wanted to have this exhibition here because it really shows the story of Falun Gong around the world – about the practice of Falun Gong, but also about the persecution of Falun Gong in China. This is a joint project for Belgium and Holland.”

This set of paintings has traveled the world, but it is the first time on display in the Benelux. It presents paintings of distinguished artists who have personally experienced the practice of Falun Gong. One of the seven sections of the art show is dedicated to the practice itself, which is based on the principles of truth, compassion and tolerance.

One of the visitors picked this one as her favorite painting.

[Mrs. Josee Van der Auwera, Visitor]:
“Because it has many symbols. The quietness. The openness of the flower, the lotus flower. Actually the three... what was it… Truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. In this painting you can feel all three of them very strongly.”

One more section of the exhibition shows the persecution of Falun Gong in China, where practitioners have been subjected to severe torture and even organ harvesting.

[Mr. Abdel Kerkab, Visitor]:
“There are no words for this. It is unacceptable. It’s inhumane. It has to be stopped.”

The exhibition was held until August 12th in the Theobaldus Chapel, which no longer serves as a place for worship, and is now open to cultural events for the local community. Griet Mertens is the manager of the venue and is an artist herself. She welcomed the exhibition with open arms and appreciated the fine skills of the painters.

[Griet Mertens, Manager of Theobaldus Chapel]:
“I’m very much impressed. I’m impressed in terms of the technique and the skills. Because it is so photographically correct. Because it is so realistic. Because it has so much expression. I’m also impressed because of the background stories. About what drives these artists to make these paintings.”

The art exhibit “Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance” will continue its tour of the Benelux countries. The next stop will be the city of Hasselt in Belgium from August 24th until September 9th.

NTD, Belgium