The Buergerfoyer [Citizens' Hall] in Dresden's Provincial Capitol Building hosted the "Truth, Compassion, Tolerance" art exhibition between March 7, 2007 and April 26, 2007.
As you enter the Buergerfoyer through the glass doors, your eye is immediately drawn to a painting entitled "Buddha", which radiates kindness and serenity. The artist is professor Zhang Kunlun. This particular work of art is one of the 40 artistic renderings on display in this light-filled 600 sq meters (about 6,300 sq. feet) exhibition venue. All the works of art are positioned along high glass walls. The dividing glass walls afford a glimpse of what's beyond these art works—the renowned, historic Semper Opera House. The whole place exudes ambiance and does the dignity of this display justice.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007, was the formal opening of the exhibition. It was sponsored by members of the organization Ars Honesta [German Association for Arts and Human Rights]. The patron for this event was the president of the Saxonian government. Several dignitaries participated in the opening ceremonies. At the start of the festivities, members of the association's choir presented a song titled "Rejoice." The marvelous acoustics in the room magnified the group's clear voices, making them sound as if a whole choir were singing.
President Iltgen of the Saxonian government presented the opening address, highlighting the special meaning of this exhibition. He emphasized that this art exhibition deserved special recognition; although trade relationships with China are still developing, the exhibit showcased the dire human rights situation in China, particularly the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Below is a summary of President Iltgen's speech.
"The spiritual core of the exhibition originated in China, based on Truth, Compassion and Tolerance, the title for the exhibit. Those attributes, measured by our occidental mindset, are the desirable qualities of an upright and honest human being. Those characteristics are presently disseminated by the Buddha Falun Gong School, which first came to the public in 1992 … Principles such as Truth, Compassion and Tolerance, on which all great religions are based, are the exact opposite of dictatorships and totalitarian ideologies. That is something Germans and other Europeans learned the hard way during 20th century history. The goal of dictatorships is to strip people of their individualism and to break their moral backbones…
Such concept of truth has unfortunately been lost in our society. That is why it is so important to be presented with recurring reminders, that it is a value for people to live by, and that those experiencing truth are presented with the opportunity to express with freedom and conviction that with which he had been endowed from birth—individual freedom—which defies all duress and oppression. Those are values a totalitarian system tries to subdue and turn people into something else.
We have the freedom to follow our conscience and for that we are grateful—without being persecuted. We are able to participate in an approach to come ever closer to the personification of some of our ideals. Getting back to the exhibit—the works of art presented here are a clear expression of the meaning of individualism in conjunction with the surrounding world, and how much energy and effort is needed to achieve harmony between the individual and the environment; to demonstrate moral fortitude against detractors and persevere with the quest for justice.
Because this exhibition's theme deals with the highest good, that of human rights and its defense, it is our duty as members of the Saxonian government to support this endeavor by virtue of our status. Here, we get a firsthand look at haunting images of humanity's huge dilemmas, images that remain in our subconscious. These images document the gross disregard for human rights in other parts of the world, and how these human rights are often damaged in the most inhumane ways.
Falun Gong in China has long since been among the group of victims, as we have seen from international protests. Resolutions for protest of the persecution are no longer limited to actions by organizations, such as Internationale Gesellschaft fuer Menschenrechte [International Society for Human Rights] and other non-governmental organizations. The European Parliament as well as the U.S. Congress voiced their concerns in a timely manner, but albeit sadly without success.
That is why we have a moral and political obligation to use any opportunity to lobby publicly, to expose any and all attempts at suppression of freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press. Cooperation between partner countries in the areas of trade, energy or environmental concerns must not be a hindrance for us Europeans in our duties to hold serious future human rights dialogues—in this case with China. On the contrary, such dialogue must be priority one; if we don't want to prostitute our own values and interests.
The Saxonian government strives to act as stage and forum for this exhibit, to showcase not merely art, but also champion human rights and assist people to appreciate freedom of the spirit. This is our contribution to foster greater humanity along this difficult journey."
Mr. Volker Dietz, speaking next, added that the exhibition was divided into four sections: "The Beauty of Cultivation"; "Unbridled Courage"; A Call for Justice"; and "Success with Justice." He guided visitors through the displays, pointing out specific pieces of art and explaining their deeper meaning.
The Background Problems with Humans and the Persecution
Having toured the exhibit, Ms. Regina Schulz, vice-president of the Saxonian government, expressed her shocked reactions to the problems and to people's unmet needs that the artistic renderings portray. She said, "I must make a distinction between the artistic value of the illustrations and the theme of the paintings, and the worst thing is that the theme of these wonderfully rendered images are depressing me so that I am honestly unable to say 'this picture is particularly beautiful.' Each painting, though compelling, at the same time depresses. As I wandered around, I was mentally confronted; that was the feeling I had."
When asked whether she had prior knowledge of the human rights situation in China, she replied, "This is my first acute, actual meeting with the dilemma; I had not believed that the circumstances are actually that grave. This exhibition presents an awakening for me, and for that I am grateful." She continued, "I know several people who went to China for vacation. They are full of praise for the nation's gorgeous scenery and the friendly people. But one never sees the real problems during a vacation trip. And the media here is none too forthcoming; that is why it is so utterly important to have a different way to present problems, become informed and attempt to meet halfway.
I think we must first examine what actually happened, and in what way one reacts to this information, how one deals with it and passes it on. Perhaps this [exhibit] could become the catalyst to delve deeper, to listen more closely. From that standpoint alone this exhibit has been extremely helpful."
Groups of visitors and many school classes pass through the Buergerfoyer every day and head for the plenary chambers. They couldn't help but pass through the art exhibit. Frequently, one or two people left their group to ask about the purpose of the exhibition and about the persecution of Falun Gong.
Original article in German at: http://dieneuepoche.com/articles/2007/03/10/97008/html
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