(Minghui.org) The Art of Zhen Shan Ren international exhibition was held in three different countries between May and July, 2026—at the Landsberg municipal theater in Germany; at Balboa Park in San Diego, USA; and at M2 Gallery in Sydney, Australia.
The artworks have been exhibited in over 300 cities in more than 50 countries since 2005. The featured artists all practice Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, a spiritual practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Since 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has persecuted practitioners, and some of the artists have personally experienced suppression and imprisonment.
Visitors Resonated With the Exhibition in Germany
From May 22 to June 14, 2026, the artworks were exhibited in the historic Säulenhalle (hall of columns) at the Landsberg City Theatre in Germany.
The opening ceremony of the exhibition at the Landsberg am Lech municipal theater. (Minghui.org)
Article in the Landsberger Tagblatt about the opening of The Art of Zhen Shan Ren exhibition at the Säulenhalle. (Courtesy of Landsberger Tagblatt)
Following the ceremonial opening, the Landsberger Tagblatt published a detailed article about the exhibition titled “The Visual Voice of the Persecuted.” The introduction mentioned the range of the pieces: “Some images make beauty and hope visible—others, unimaginable suffering.”
The author acknowledged both the artistic quality of the paintings, and the plight of Falun Dafa practitioners persecuted for their faith in China. Visitor numbers rose significantly after the article was published.
Rudolf Bille, Chairman of the Landsberg Art Association, in front of the painting The Intersection (Minghui.org)
Rudolf Bille, Chairman of the Landsberg Art Association and an experienced exhibition curator, was particularly impressed by the painting called The Intersection. He saw in it a deeper meaning, showing how people face decisions in everyday life and shape their futures according to their stance on truth and justice.
Christian Hohensee in front of the painting Enlightenment. (Minghui.org)
Christian Hohensee, from Lake Starnberg, paused for a long time to look at the painting Enlightenment. It depicts a peaceful scene of a mother reading Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Dafa, with her child asleep in her lap.
As a reader of The Epoch Times, Hohensee was already familiar with the practice of Falun Gong. After receiving a flyer, he took the opportunity to learn more. He described the visit as very worthwhile, saying the exhibit had broadened his knowledge, and prompted him to reflect.
Burkhardt Aulich in front of the painting Preserving the Treasure. (Minghui.org)
Burkhardt Aulich from Berlin was deeply moved by the exhibition. In particular, the painting Preserving the Treasure reminded him of his own experience living in former East Germany, when he was persecuted and imprisoned by the Ministry for State Security.
“I preserved my honor and conscience by refusing to sell out,” he said. From the paintings, he recognized in Falun Dafa practitioners that same steadfastness and courage to remain true to their convictions despite persecution.
Steffen Kirchner appreciates the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. (Minghui.org)
Steffen Kirchner, former head of the Landsberg Surveying Office, was drawn to the painting Reaching the Divine Realm With a Pure Heart, which shows a person transcending the material world of emotion and desire to a realm of spiritual enlightenment. Inspired by the exhibition, he decided to purchase a copy of Zhuan Falun. He said that the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are values worth living by.
Photographer Michael Blumrich was impressed by the realistic painting style and profound themes of the artwork. (Minghui.org)
Local advertising photographer Michael Blumrich read about the exhibition in a flyer. He was particularly struck by the painting My Son, and the photo-realistic style of the mother’s expression touched him.
Regarding the moral principles of Falun Dafa, he said that they allow individuals to align their lives with higher standards, rather than one’s own limited perspective. He especially appreciated the practitioners’ courage in peacefully protesting the injustice and raising awareness about the persecution in China.
An elderly visitor joined one of the tours of the exhibition with a friend, and listened attentively to a practitioner’s explanations of the paintings. She was also moved by the painting My Son. Afterwards she expressed her sincere gratitude, saying, “We have now been purified and elevated to a higher level.”
There were numerous comments in the guest book, with many sharing that the artworks were moving, inspiring, and thought-provoking. One visitor wrote that the exhibition gave him hope, and reminded him of the importance of compassion and humanity.
Others expressed their gratitude for the guided tours, the opportunity to learn about Falun Dafa, and the stories behind the paintings. Several visitors said that the works were not only artistically impressive, but also raised important questions regarding freedom, conscience, and human dignity.
Many were particularly touched by the interplay of suffering and hope expressed in the paintings. One guest wrote that the exhibit showed him how kindness and truthfulness can be preserved, even under the most difficult circumstances. Another visitor was grateful for the wonderful inspiration, and for the way the exhibition instilled faith in the goodness of humanity.
San Diego, US: Viewers Moved by the Exhibition
On June 20, the artworks were exhibited at Balboa Park in San Diego. Local photographer Miguel said his professional background gave him a deep appreciation for the paintings. “These paintings tell stories. You can tell what is going on without reading the descriptions. I really like them.”
Exhibition at Balboa Park, San Diego on June 20, 2026. (Minghui.org)
Talking about the oil painting Shock, visitor Miguel noticed the light around the practitioner being persecuted. He said, “She is meditating and entering a cultivation state. The painting shows she is in higher realms. She seems to be saying to the men in the dark, ‘Whatever you do, I am transcending you.’ You can easily tell she is a good person. Those people wanted to destroy her. But she would not allow it because she is in a different state of sitting meditation.”
Artist Chen Xiaoping based this painting on the true story of when she was tortured in prison. She did not hate the prison guards trying to shock her with electric batons. Instead she calmly did the sitting meditation, rising into the air, which stunned the guards. Some clutched their heads and collapsed to the ground, while others stood frozen and dumbfounded, their hands still gripping the instruments of torture.
“These are paintings are very moving,” he continued. “I especially like these depictions of light and shade. Sometimes people don’t like reading, and it’s easier to take things in visually. These are great paintings, and easy to understand.”
Guests Express Appreciation at the Exhibition in Sydney, Australia
The Art of Zhen Shan Ren was exhibited at M2 Gallery in Sydney, Australia from June 25 to July 7, 2026. (Minghui.org)
Many visitors came to see the paintings at the exhibition held in M2 Gallery in Sydney, and were touched by the practitioners’ perseverance and courage in the face of such brutal persecution.
Visitors Evie, Skye, and Giselle left a message in the guestbook: “Such an interesting and informative exhibition with such beautiful artwork and volunteers, learning feeling very calm and grateful.”
A Chinese visitor wrote in Chinese in the guestbook, “Thank you for such a good exhibition. Many thanks! Please thank the organizers for organizing such a good exhibition, and bringing wonder to people.”
All content published on this website is copyrighted by Minghui.org. Minghui will produce compilations of its online content regularly and on special occasions.
Category: Art & Photo Exhibits
