Germany: The Art of Zhen Shan Ren International Exhibition Touches and Inspires Visitors

(Minghui.org) “Very touching and impressive” is how numerous visitors described the artworks in The Art of Zhen Shan Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance) International Exhibition, which was on display on September 19-28, 2025, in the historic armory in Donauwörth. More than 500 people viewed the artworks, some by chance while strolling through town or on a sightseeing tour, and others after learning of the exhibit through flyers, posters, social media, or the newspaper.

The exhibition officially opened on September 29. Numerous visitors attended, including Mayor Jürgen Sorré, Deputy Mayor Michael Bosse, and the city’s cultural representative. They all joined the guided tour and showed great interest in the works.

Visitors at the opening ceremony view the paintings on September 29.

The city’s cultural representative addressed the opening ceremony on September 29.

The 22 paintings on display depicted both the joy and harmony of Falun Dafa practitioners’ spiritual experiences and their strength in resisting the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution.

The Donauwörther Zeitung newspaper reported on the exhibition in a detailed article. It is one of the most successful local newspapers in Germany and is part of the high-circulation Augsburger Allgemeine.

An article about the exhibit was published in the Donauwörter Zeitung.

The town’s armory, with its historic character and modern exhibition space, provided a fitting setting for the paintings. At the Armory entrance, visitors learned about the exhibition’s theme and content from an information board. They continued on, examining the paintings one by one at their leisure, with visibly growing attention. Some even enjoyed a guided tour of the exhibition. As they left, many appeared touched, and expressed their sincere thanks.

Mayor: “I am Delighted That This Exhibition is Taking Place Here”

Mayor Jurgen Sorré in front of his favorite painting “Who am I?” at the opening ceremony on September 29

Mayor Jurgen Sorré described his impressions. The images and the accompanying explanations deeply touched him, and he was particularly pleased that the exhibition was taking place in his town.

He pointed out, “The values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are of great social importance. If everyone practiced these values–especially tolerance–there would be less agitation and dogmatism in the world.”

At the end, the mayor paused in front of his personal favorite work, “Who am I?”, had his photo taken, and smiled as he declared that he found the painting simply “beautiful” – both artistically and spiritually.

“Bright and Hopeful” – Visitors Share Their Impressions

Visitors view the paintings.

Many visitors said the spiritual messages in the paintings were particularly impressive. For some, it was the first time they had heard about Falun Dafa and the persecution in China. Some also expressed interest in learning the exercises or purchased the book Zhuan Falun after the tour.

There were many touching conversations during the tours.

Gabriele and Silke lingered after the exhibition’s opening ceremony. Both women said they were very impressed, and repeatedly looked at individual works and discussed them with practitioners. Gabriele bought the book Zhuan Falun, while Silke asked where the nearest practice site was so she could learn the Falun Dafa exercises.

A 17-year-old student shyly explained that she paints, and heard about the exhibition by chance. She came seeking inspiration. She examined the works very carefully. When asked about her favorite painting, she hesitated at first, but then decided on the one about the CCP’s state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting. “Despite the horrific scene, a strong power and light emanates from this victim—that touched me deeply,” she said quietly.

One visitor said that the painting “A Just Gathering” was her favorite. It refers to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the alternative torch relay, which countless people joined in. “This positive green, the story of people joining forces when injustice occurs—that is what I will take home with me in my heart. Only together can change happen,” she explained.

A young Indian couple with a young daughter in a stroller happened to pass by and listened to the explanation in English. Both were deeply impressed. The young man was interested in Falun Dafa, bought the English version of the book Zhuan Falun, and said he definitely wanted to read it.

A young woman from Mongolia also discovered the exhibition by chance. She paused for a long time in front of each painting and had the background explained to her. She said that her mother was Buddhist. At the end, she wrote in the guest book that it had been a “wonderful time” for her.

Before one young man left, he said, “These are very terrible events. But I believe that good will prevail. People in China want to be free and choose for themselves what they believe. Never before has a dark power endured indefinitely.”

Another visitor was particularly fascinated by the painting techniques, the realism, and the juxtaposition between dark and light. She said there was something luminous and hopeful in each painting. She was deeply touched and moved to tears, and said, “Even in the paintings about persecution, a gentleness can still be perceived.”

High school students viewed the paintings in groups.

Several students from Donauwörth schools visited the exhibition. They headed straight for the painting “Preserving the Treasure” and had their photo taken.

A visitor with a senior lady in a wheelchair

One woman accompanied a wheelchair user through the exhibition. She gently read the descriptions of each painting to her, and both viewed the paintings with great attention. Before they left, the woman left the following entry in the guestbook, “Very impressive and touching paintings that will have a lasting impact.”

Touching Messages in the Guestbook

Guestbook

Many visitors wrote down their thoughts and impressions in the guestbook. Here is a selection of their entries:

“An extremely moving and thought-provoking gallery of paintings. Thank you very much. I’ll try to carry on the momentum.”

“It is very shocking and sad how a communist regime treats peace-loving, innocent people who are committed to truth, kindness, and compassion.”

“The trip from Nuremberg was worth it just to see this wonderful exhibition in Donauwörth. Thank you.”

“Impressive not only in terms of the art, but also the history behind it. I haven’t been as fascinated by such an exhibition in a long time.”

“Contemporary history that expresses in images that politics has far too much power and uses it not for the good, but to oppress those who think differently. The concepts of truth, kindness, and compassion should be spread throughout the world by everyone!”

“The best exhibition I’ve ever seen.”

“We came to this exhibition unexpectedly and spontaneously. We had little knowledge of the subject matter. It was a truly precious time that we were able to spend here... moving, sobering, enlightening, poignant... Thank you for the wonderful tour.”

“Thank you for this incredibly enriching exhibition. By a happy coincidence, I was able to experience deeply moving impressions.”

“Wonderful! It’s unbelievable that the universe called me here—or rather, it’s very believable. The paintings are beautiful, but the feelings and thoughts behind them are even more beautiful! I hope to read the book soon and radiate in the direction this wonderful universe wants to lead me. Truth, peace, and goodwill for all.”

“Thank you for the impressive tour. The values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance should be anchored in all people for a harmonious coexistence. A very beautiful series of images convey this.”

“A very emotional exhibition. Beautiful images and very lovingly explained. This exhibition will stay with me for a long time.”

More than 120 visitors viewed the artworks on the last day. Falun Dafa practitioners say they hope that the images and stories presented provided insight into Falun Dafa and the persecution – and that the visitors will spread their impressions and share them with others.