Introductory Note: On July 15-16, 2004, an art exhibition sponsored by the Falun Dafa Association of Washington, D.C. with the theme of "Uncompromising Courage," was held in the exhibition hall of Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Falun Gong practitioners created all the art works in the exhibits. Some of the artists are still illegally imprisoned in China. After five years of bloody suppression, these Falun Gong artists hope to express the joy of returning to one’s true nature through cultivating Falun Gong, their indestructible righteous beliefs under cruel tortures and suppression, their persistence in pursuing Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and their faith in “justice will defeat evil eventually.” These artists each have their merits. They have tried to use the traditional methods to achieve their goals. We will continue to introduce the works of these artists, the ideas behind their works and their creation processes.
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Reporter: Zhu, Qingming, reporter for PureInsight Net
Xiao: Ms. Xiao, Ping, painter
Reporter: Your painting, “The Shining Lotus Hearts”, has attracted a large audience during the exhibition. The sharp contrast between light and dark in this painting easily catches people’s eyes. Could you please talk a little about the creation of this painting?
Xiao: The inspiration for this work came when I came here last year to participate in the a Candlelight Vigil held on the anniversary when the crackdown of Falun Gong began that was held before the Washington Monument. I sat in the first row with a candle in my hands and a feeling of holiness and solemnity in my heart. Sitting there, the atmosphere I could feel made me want to cry. I saw so many Falun Gong practitioners, each holding a candle in their hands. A candle is simply a light in the dark, so warm and so touching.
In this painting, every lotus is a heart. She holds the lotus just like a heart. Every lantern represents the golden heart of each person who practises Falun Gong, to light up this world in the dark. Imagine if millions and millions of people all had such a heart! People use candles to express their tribute and to cherish the memories of people who have passed on. Therefore, I have combined them together. Cruel tortures have been presented in the lower part, letting people know that she is cherishing her memory of those practitioners who were tortured to death. That practitioner is unfolding a banner with the words “Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance” on it, which acts like a bright lantern, lighting up the dark. Indeed, different forms were used to express the same idea.
Reporter: Could you please talk about the composition of this painting in more detail?
Xiao: This kind of composition is a relatively traditional one, which has the figure in the middle to form a composition in a triangle style. Historically, this kind of composition had been used in many oil paintings, especially in those paintings with religious subjects. Putting a figure in the middle, is a way to express the feeling that the figure is solemn and holy, which can confer such an atmosphere. I feel this kind of composition is the best one to express my feelings. Someone told me that the lantern seems alive and is moving. The lantern is in a warm tone. Because of the effect of the lanterns light, a face will be different from what people commonly see when the lantern shines on it. That girl’s pure and dignified face, together with the cruel persecution, forms a sharp contrast, shocking those who see it. A kind of inner strength comes out from her tranquillity. It is very touching. I have used one figure to represent all those who practise Falun Gong.
Reporter: When I saw this painting from a distance I couldn't help but stare. The lantern in her hands is very warm. I first saw this lantern and I then saw the girl’s face. Finally, I saw the surroundings and then the lower part of the painting. That lantern is very attractive and it is hard to depict light. Do you have much experience in this field, or is this your first attempt at conveying light form a candle?
Xiao: All the light I drew before was that brought about by sunlight. All the watercolour paintings I drew before were bright and were splendid landscapes lit up by the sun, with sunlight bouncing on a human being’s body. It is my first time to draw candlelight. When i started i had a strong feeling, "I know that i can do this to a high standard!" Indeed, I feel quite satisfied with what I drew, and the effect is quite remarkable. At that time, I lit up a candle and held it in my hands, having my picture taken. There was another reference for the lotus. The background has been simplified. The artistic treatment is to draw many lanterns, representing millions and millions of Dafa practitioners’ hearts.
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