Ukraine: People Moved by Truth-Compassion-Forbearance International Art Exhibition

The Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance International Art Exhibition concluded its ten-day run in the Kharkiv City Municipal Science and Technology Library, in Ukraine, on June 22, 2014. People from all walks of life attended the event, including university professors, actors, and artists.

Visitors thoroughly enjoy the art exhibition

The exhibition consists of traditional paintings that depict the insights and life experiences of the various artists, all of whom practice Falun Gong. The artists' works portray the essence of Falun Gong's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and expose the persecution of Falun Gong in China.

“The paintings depicting the persecution are so heart-wrenching that they made me want to cry,” said a woman who fled to Kharkiv from war-torn Donetsk. “They touched my heart again and again.”

“I had no idea that these atrocities were taking place in China!” she exclaimed.

Carina Antoninkh, a theater actress from Kharkiv, was visibly moved by the exhibition.

“I felt an inner peace and joy after viewing the paintings,” she explained. “As the evil in the world is being cleared out, peace is being ushered in. I'll be leaving here surrounded by a sea of positive energy.”

Actress Carina Antoninkh attends the art exhibition

Leisha Fyodorovna, a professor of economics at the Kharkiv Institute of Technology, said that he appreciated the timeliness of the exhibition.

“I think the exhibition came to our city just at the right time, he said. “What is happening to Ukraine right now—the evil in the air, the turmoil on the land—I believe the exhibition is able to lessen the stress and anxiety that we all feel, bringing us comfort.

“Our nation needs this exhibition, as it can teach people to be noble, tolerant, and understanding. It can also provide us with a sense of hope.

“We should pay attention to the struggles and suffering of people outside of our immediate circle. This exhibition concerns all of us, as Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance can uplift our spirits and fill us with positive energy.”

University professor, Yuri Ivanovic, suggested that the exhibition be on display in every city in Ukraine. “As the number of exhibition visitors rises, so, too, will the compassion that we feel for each another,” he explained.

“The exhibition needs to be held often, in every city, especially in universities and high schools. Unlike the youth in this country, the older generation knows first-hand the evils of communism.”

A staff member at the venue said that the spirit of the art exhibit mirrors the hopes and dreams of all Ukrainians.

“This exhibition describes perfectly the state of affairs in Ukraine today,” she said. “We all hope for a bright future, devoid of war, and we all hope to awaken to Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”

Mr. Mihajlovic, a teacher at the Kharkiv Institute of Art and Design

Mr. Mihajlovic, who is both a teacher at the Kharkiv Institute of Art and Design, and a member of the Designer Alliance, said that the paintings emitted a “bright and warm energy.”

“The art exhibition touched on the roots and traditions of the Slavic people, which many don't know about,” he said.

“Since our country stands at such a critical juncture in history, I wish that everyone in the country could see this exhibit, especially those who are committing horrific acts of violence.

“The paintings resonated with virtually everyone who viewed them. The tenderness exhibited by the paintings are able to soothe our jaded and broken hearts. It's like a world unto itself, and people in the street nowadays cannot see this world when we look in each other's eyes.

“I really want to live in this world where everything is so kind, honest, pure, and bright. Thank you for bringing this world to our city; for connecting us to something this profound.”

A staff member added, "We hope to awaken more and more to the principle of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance in our daily lives.”

Event volunteers take a group photo with Falun Gong practitioners