ATLANTA—Leaders of the Asian community and a congressional staffer attended a reception for The Art of Truth Compassion Tolerance exhibit, which opened at the Gwinnett County Justice Center on March 7.
Mr. Zhao Zengyi is a respected Chinese community leader, the principal emeritus of the Chinese School of Atlanta. At the age of 88, he does not attend as many public events as he once did. Nonetheless, he was glad to come with his wife after hearing about The Art of Truth Compassion Tolerance.
He said the paintings “are superb. Righteous beliefs can never be destroyed—not by any government on earth.” He also said that he is sympathetic toward the hardship that Falun Gong practitioners have endured and is willing to lend his support.
According to its website, “The Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truth, Compassion, Tolerance) International Exhibition … details both an inner spiritual life and an outer human rights tragedy. Realistic oil paintings and Chinese watercolors from mostly Chinese artists give a unique insight into the spiritual discipline Falun Gong, also called Falun Dafa.
“Falun Gong, a form of meditative exercise originating in China, is based on the principles of Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to showing how the practice of Falun Gong has changed people’s lives, providing them with a return to traditional Chinese values.”
Ms. Debra Poirot, constituent services director for Rep. Rob Woodall (R-Ga.), said that she and Rep. Woodall are quite aware of the Falun Gong spiritual movement and the persecution that’s ongoing in China, adding that Rep. Woodall said he will be sure to attend the exhibit when he returns to Atlanta from Washington. His district office is in the building that hosted the paintings.
Asian/Pacific American Council of Georgia Communication Director Varinee Sangmalee said that through these paintings, she could feel the perseverance of Falun Gong practitioners in upholding their belief in truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
Mrs. Sangmalee is also founder and president of the Thai Association World Center USA. She enjoyed the art and took many photos.
“I have also been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party,” said Chinese painter Liao Da Yuan, “and these works tell people the truth, and showcase human pursuit of beauty and grandeur, and enlighten people to be compassionate. This is remarkable.”
Mr. Tom David, who came to the building on business, signed the visitor register and wrote: “This is wonderful, very beautiful.”
This is the second time the art exhibition has been shown in Atlanta, according to Sherry Li, president of the Atlanta Falun Dafa Association. She said, “The exhibition started in 2004 and has traveled to 40 countries and over 200 cities in the past 10 years.”
The art will be on display through March 31.
