Their artwork depicts their persecution in the hands of the Chinese government while conveying a message of spiritual discipline based on truthfulness, compassion and tolerance.
The paintings also express a message of hope in the face of arbitrary detention, torture and death.
On March 27, the Phoenix Art Gallery opened its 4th Truth Compassion Forbearance International Art Exhibition.
A recent addition to the gallery is “Shock,” the winning piece of Xiaoping “Michelle” Chen in the 2009 Chinese International Figure Painting in New York.
“Shock” depicts a Falun Gong practitioner losing her shackles and rising high in her prison cell as guards look on.
Chen said the art exhibit is very significant in recognizing the beliefs of the Falun Gong, now that the U.S. House of Representatives has adopted a resolution expressing solidarity with victims of persecution in China and urging the Chinese government to end its campaign against the Falun Gong.
The opening ceremony on Saturday was attended by Office of Insular Affairs field representative Jeff Schorr, Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture executive director Angel S. Hocog, author and cultural preservationist Lino Olopai, Federal Labor Ombudsman Pam Brown, attorney Mark Hanson, Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores, and other members of the community.
“I know she is one of the best artists of the commonwealth,” said Schorr.
He said the exhibit will inspire other artists to reach Chen’s level.
“It shares the skills of a very gifted person,” he added.
Hocog said the exhibit should encourage local artists to further hone their talents.
He commended Chen for her success.
After the opening of the art exhibit, Chen said she plans to return to her teaching job and create new paintings.
“I have many ideas and I need more time to make them happen,” she added.
