(Minghui.org) The recent showing of the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truth, Compassion, Tolerance) International Exhibition in Kiev drew a large group of visitors over the past several weeks this summer.

Through the artworks, people were introduced to Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa), a traditional cultivation practice from China, and learned about the brutal persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party. After visiting the gallery, many signed the petition against the Chinese regime's forced organ harvesting of imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners.

A volunteer introduces the story behind each work of art.

The Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truth, Compassion, Tolerance) International Exhibition in Kiev.

Shevchenko National Prize winner and honored artist Larisa Kadochnikova

Shevchenko National Prize winner and an honored artist Larisa Kadochnikova accepted an interview after she visited the art exhibition.

This was her second visit to the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren international exhibition.

“I saw light and hope in the artworks when I visited it a few years back,” said Ms. Kadochnikova. “Ideas like Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance will connect to you immediately and force you to re-think your understanding.

“Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is re-shaping kindness and freedom in the world.”

Drawing from the experiences of Ukrainians under the Soviet Union's communist regime, she concluded that the communists of any regime have never allowed people to freely see the world and to have their own beliefs.

“When you realize the truth, you find the strength to be kind and tolerant. So you can be a truly compassionate person,” she concluded, stating that this is what stands out most for her in this exhibition.

Movie actress Lilia Yatsenyuk

Lilia Yatsenyuk, a well-known movie actress, commented that the art exhibition touched the kindness that exists in every person.

“Some arts display the meaning directly. Others want you to think,” she said. “I believe in the kindness in people, and I believe that mankind will have a bright future. Every artwork [in the exhibition] touches some part of my heart.”

Carina, a student at Kiev College of Construction, Architecture and Design

Carina, a student at Kiev College of Construction, Architecture and Design, commented that the exhibition showed her the strength of people's mind power.

“The figures in the paintings seem to tell us not to drift along with the deteriorating trend and not to abandon the traditional lifestyle. We need faith and we need to protect these [Falun Dafa practitioners],” said Carina.

Natya

Natya's first encounter with the international art exhibition was in Tokyo, four years ago. The exhibition left a strong impression on her then.

Natya, who is interested in Eastern culture and holds a black belt in karate, said, “I saw a lot of suffering and pain in the artworks. You could feel the sadness and desperation. But you also see the brightness in them. They bring hope to people.”