(Minghui.org) “I'm deeply touched,” said Nathanaël Dagane, a student at Concordia University and the president of its Model United Nations chapter. He had known about the persecution of Falun Gong before, but said that the paintings gave him “a more direct visual impact.”

“I was particularly moved by the realistic paintings that speak directly about the persecution of Falun Dafa [another name for Falun Gong]. They resonate inside me,” he added.

Alexander Chaboud, who is with the same organization, said that the artwork left a deep impression, “This is a way of communicating Chinese culture and the culture of Falun Gong cultivation.” He commented on the variety of the pieces, ranging from depicting the persecution to the harmony of the spiritual practice.

The Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truth, Compassion, Tolerance) International Exhibition was held at Ateliers Lozeau Montreal from September 27 to October 3, 2014.

Professor Zhang Kunlun, artist Kathy Gillis and Ms. Diane Du Sablon, special assistant to Member of Parliament (MP) Irwin Cotler, and many art lovers in the community attended the opening ceremony. Ms. Du Sablon presented a congratulatory letter on behalf of MP Cotler to professor Zhang at the event.

Professor Zhang Kunlun and Ms. Diane Du Sablon, special assistant to MP Irwin Cotler, opened the Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truth, Compassion, Tolerance) International Exhibition.

Opening ceremony

Ms. Kathleen Gillis explains a painting to the audience

Professor Zhang Kunlun, the exhibit's founder, attended the Montreal gallery opening. He once called Montreal his home and taught art at McGill University. The seasoned artist and Falun Gong practitioner experienced persecution first-hand when he was imprisoned in China for his belief in Falun Gong.

His artwork depicts the torment that he experienced while imprisoned, but also radiates a hope and positivity that comes from a deep faith that justice will prevail.

Ms. Pierrette Ménard had met professor Zhang at McGill University. “It’s an exhibition that I really appreciated, and I think the content as well as the paintings are top notch... It really moved me a lot.”

She continued, “I sense a deep connection to the paintings, especially the ones that depict the persecution. People who have faith are simply extraordinary.”

Ms. Thi Hong Thinh Doan, an economist from Vietnam, came to Montreal a month ago. She shared her understanding of the paintings at display, “The exhibition is about inner energy, conscience, and having an independent mind. I have researched this a lot; the culture of cultivation speaks volumes to me. I can't wait to read the book Zhuan Falun. I will also learn the exercises.”

Ms. Florence Chapdelaine is blind, but this didn't prevent her from enjoying the paintings through listening to the introductions.

She said, “What I understood from the explanations is that this exhibition gives a concrete vision of the values of Falun Gong. That’s what I feel through the paintings. I’d like to see them, but I was able to understand that through what my daughter and the artist explained. … I’m happy to be here. I bathed in that beautiful energy.”

Her husband, Claude Quiviger, said he appreciated the “fundamental human values” he perceived in the exhibition. “I think there is something very important in the basic message: truth, compassion, tolerance.”