Australia: Sydney Touched by Art Exhibition

The Falun Dafa Club at the University of Technology in Sydney, and the Falun Dafa Association in New South Wales, Australia, jointly held a Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance International Art Exhibition in the Theatre Lounge of the university on October 24th-26th, 2011. It was the second time the art exhibition was held at this location.

Ms. Jan Barham, mayor of Byron Shire, gives a speech at the art exhibition	Art exhibition visitors

Ms. Jan Barham, mayor of Byron Shire, gave a speech at the opening ceremony of the art exhibition. She told the reporter that she came here to raise awareness of the persecution. It was a great opportunity for all people who passed by to see the exhibition and learn about the persecution of Falun Gong in China. People should find out information about it and disperse the fear. The art exhibition drew tears to her eyes. She was most impressed with the painting “Face the Evil” because it created a heart-shaking effect. Facing the police in the dark, the lady's noble and gentle bearing made her proud. The violence of the police was reflected in the dark background. The sharp contrast between the bright and the dark implied the battle between good and evil. No words were needed. Ms. Barham said the presentation of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance would benefit society.

Jane, one of the organisers of the art exhibition, said at the opening ceremony, “We hope the international art exhibition will serve as a powerful venue for people to upgrade their understanding of Falun Gong and provoke thought on the persecution of Falun Gong at a humanity level.”

Many faculty members and students were glad to learn what was going on in China, and to obtain information about Falun Gong. They were fascinated by the power of the artwork.

Five Chinese students came in a group and told Falun Gong practitioner Ms. Zhang, “We are Chinese. We are very touched by the artwork. We are shocked that such things are happening in our country. It is so cruel and terrible!” Ms. Zhang said, “You are a lucky generation! Many of my friends and fellow practitioners in China are at risk of losing freedom and even their lives every minute.” Tears came to the eyes of the students. They all signed their names in support of Falun Gong and left with introduction materials.

A woman professor walked over to Ms. Zhang and asked, “Where are you collecting signatures?” As she signed, she said, “I can tell you I absolutely support you! I teach here. I will tell every student of mine to come to your art exhibition... I completely support you. How can we let this persecution continue?”

After studying the artwork for more than an hour, a man wanted to sign in support of Falun Gong. He said, “I'm very touched and shaken by this exhibition. I have many friends in this university. I will tell all of them to come.” During the next couple of days, he brought one group after another to the art exhibition, and introduced the pieces to them, acting as a guide. He did bring all his friends, as he had promised.

Many people who visited the art exhibition expressed their wishes to help end the persecution.