(Minghui.org) The Art of Zhen Shan Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance) International Exhibition was held at the Strandverket Art Gallery on Marstrand Island from July 5-15, 2025. Forty-eight paintings created by artists who practice Falun Dafa were displayed. They illustrated the beauty of the practice, the peace and harmony of practitioners, and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) persecution.
Located in western Sweden, Marstrand Island is a popular seaside resort, and more than 2,000 people from 25 countries viewed the artworks. Moved by the inner peace they saw in the paintings, they praised Falun Dafa practitioners for their perseverance while facing the suppression, and some were interested in learning how to practice.
Marstrand Island is a popular tourist destination.
Conny Brännberg, former chairman of the Västra Götaland Region’s Cultural Committee, attended the opening ceremony on July 5 and gave a speech. “More than 900 cities have seen these artworks so far, and our city is one of them,” he said. “As I now inaugurate this art exhibition, let us be enriched and inspired by the art. Let it become seeds sown in our hearts today, and they will bloom. We welcome you to join the efforts for freedom of expression and protection of democracy.”
Conny Brännberg, former chairman of the Västra Götaland Region’s Cultural Committee, welcomed the exhibition.
Benjamin Kong, a Falun Gong practitioner who fled China, talked about how he and other practitioners were persecuted by the CCP.
“Peace, Light, Hope, and Love”
Several organizing members of the Art and Culture Association guided visitors around the large art gallery where the artworks were displayed. Many visitors expressed admiration for the artists’ skill and talent.
Guides explain the stories behind the paintings.
A Swedish visitor, Marianne, traveled to China as a tourist and visited Tiananmen Square in 2001 when several Western Falun Dafa practitioners were holding a demonstration there to protest the CCP’s persecution of their fellow practitioners.
That is why she was excited and happy to see the painting, “Coming for You”, an artwork inspired by a photograph taken of the group of Western practitioners holding this peaceful appeal. Just seconds after the photograph was taken, they were surrounded and forced into police cars. Marianne bought a postcard of the painting, “Coming for You,” as a souvenir.
Marianne (right) visited Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 2001.
Abir, an artist born in Lebanon and who now lives in Egypt, was very moved by the exhibition. She wanted to help the practitioners find more galleries to display the art exhibition because she wanted more people to see the paintings. In the guestbook, she wrote: “Peace, light, hope, and love are what I feel now. For sure, art is the only way to record our experiences and keep them as memories for the future. Thank you.”
Abir praised the artworks.
Camilla found the guides very welcoming and knowledgeable, and said they showed great commitment and provided a lot of knowledge about these artworks.
Camilla appreciated the guides’ hospitality and commitment.
A Swedish man who visited the exhibition studied each painting very carefully and said the artworks were very inspiring. “You are no longer the same person when you leave the exhibition as when you entered,” he said.
Support from the Audience Members
Although the persecution of Falun Dafa by the CCP has been going on for 26 years, many people said this is the first time they have heard about the brutality. Some were shocked to hear that the CCP removes organs from practitioners while they are alive. They said they would tell their family and friends about the exhibition and encourage them to visit it.
Many visitors showed their wholehearted support for the art exhibition and for persecuted Falun Dafa practitioners. Here are some quotes from the guest book:“Despite the cruelty of humanity, there is light, keep hope.”“This exhibition is an eye-opener. The [CCP’s] hostility towards mankind’s thinking and believing has destroyed the purity and innocence which has existed since the beginning of history.”“A fantastic exhibition, I was very touched. The cruelty that exists is unimaginable.”“An incredibly beautiful exhibition that touched me deeply. So grateful to be able to attend this. And a big thank you for the wonderful guide.”“We continue to fight for what is good. A wonderful and emotional exhibition. All the best and love to you! Spread the love!”
Children Found Educational Value in Paintings
Children and young people were very interested in the exhibition. A nine-year-old boy said some of his family is from China, and that he wanted to help those who are imprisoned there. The children and young people who visited the exhibition received a lotus flower with the words, “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance,” Falun Dafa’s guiding principles.
Two boys from Norway signed the petition.
Every day during the exhibition, practitioners did the exercises at The Paradise Park and taught them to people. Many people came to learn and said they liked the practice.
People learn the Falun Dafa exercises.
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Category: Art & Photo Exhibits
