(Minghui.org) The Falun Dafa Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition has toured over 200 cities around the world. From March 15 to 26, 2012, with sponsorship from City Hall, the Exhibition was held at Halle Des Chartrons in the center of Bordeaux, the fourth largest city in France. Over 60 paintings by 15 artists gave many people an opportunity to learn about Falun Gong and the persecution in China.

The Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition
in Halle Des Chartrons in Bordeaux

Chantal Bourrague (left), Member of National Assembly of France,
attends the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Chantal Bourrague, Member of National Assembly of France, at the Opening Ceremony

Member of National Assembly Ms. Chantal Bourrague represented the Mayor of Bordeaux, Alain Juppe, at the opening ceremony. She thanked the exhibition organizers for introducing the talented artists to the city of Bordeaux, as well as for exposing the violent and inhumane acts of the Chinese Communist regime. “Every belief needs to be embraced, and people yearn for freedom. It is a universal value to respect the dignity of others. The beautiful and magnificent (Falun Gong practitioners) form a distinct contrast to the brutality and violence (of the persecution). We are honored and proud to host this exhibit in Bordeaux. Again, on behalf of the Mayor, I thank you for coming to the art exhibition.”

Ms. Bourrague also expressed her support for Falun Gong, “My heart is with you, because all of the violence the Falun Gong practitioners suffer is intolerable. I have a wish and that is for all of the government officials who committed crimes to be punished in international courts.”

Report in the Bordeaux Gazette

Report in the Bordeaux Gazette

A reporter from the Bordeaux Gazette attended the opening ceremony. He reported on the exhibition in detail. The article said that the exhibition opened a window for people to understand the sharp social issues in China, especially the issues that the Chinese authorities refuse to mention and are widely ignored. It said that the artists revealed the misery (of the Falun Gong practitioners) as well as the glory of divine beings. “The works in the exhibition reveal the beauty of Falun Gong and how the Chinese authorities brutally persecute Falun Gong practitioners. Most of them are illegally imprisoned, tortured, pressured to give up their belief, and subjected to arbitrary investigation. For some of them, their organs were removed while they were still alive… many have died because of torture and inhuman treatment.”

Feedback from Viewers

Impressed, designer and painter Benoit Cape said, “Seeing the authentic painting inspired me. It is not seen a lot in France because we do a lot of abstract and modern art. These paintings are traditional and realistic. The artists have impressive skills and portray colors and people in a versatile manner. I am drawn to the sadness of the dark world and the beauty of Heavens. I am even more attracted to the people’s spirit and emotions.”

 Patrick Green

One of the visitors to the exhibition, Patrick Green, saw a magnificent truth when he saw the painting “Shocking.” “It reflects an unusual atmosphere. The light focuses on the person being tortured and the rest of the painting is dark. It allows my eyes to see the truth. What is the truth? It’s the moment when I found it. I saw the peace of a person meditating in the air. She endures all the pain peacefully, which panics the people who torture her. This painting conveys a magnificent truth.”

 Danielle Lontoh

Danielle Lontoh said that the paintings were touching and beautiful. She believes that since China has opened up its doors to trade and to doing business with the world at large, it must open the door for other things. “Everyone should be allowed to have his own thoughts, art, and culture. The door for business is opened, and I hope the door for freedom will open as well. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tortures its people for their belief. I hope that there is a light that can dim the CCP.”

 A man in tears as he views the paintings

A man said in tears, “You see my hands are shaking. I want to cry when I see the paintings… it’s too cruel! I will come to the exhibition every day until the last day.”