Library censors Chinese atrocity art.
Wasn’t the world shocked and in disbelief
when it was revealed what Hitler had done to the Jews in World War Two?
Similar
questions are being asked about the Chinese Government’s treatment of Falun Gong
practitioners after last week’s exhibition at the Noosa Library was censored.
Graphic
paintings of Chinese torture tactics were deemed “too frightening” to
be openly displayed at the Falun Gong Uncompromising Courage art exhibit.
The
traveling 40-painting exhibition featured a range of Falun Gong inspired paintings
– many of which depict Chinese authorities torturing practitioners of the peace-oriented
exercise form.
Falun Gong, which promotes truth, compassion and tolerance
as the keys to a healthy body and mind was outlawed in China in 1999 after its
popularity snowballed.
Painted by Falun Gong practitioners, the works –
depicting beatings, burnings, stabbings and use of psychotropic drugs for brain-washing,
and worse – were either removed or covered up after parents complained they were
too shocking to be seen by children.
But that move also sparked debate,
with letters to the editor condemning the censorship.
“When the world
discovered what Hitler had done to the Jews, many were shocked and wondered how
that genocide had taken place without them knowing, and they also said ‘never
again’,” says Falun Gong enthusiast John Dowie of Peregian.
“The
exhibition is one way to let the world know that it is happening again, right
now in China.”
Prime Minister John Howard is due in China new week
to discuss a Free Trade Agreement.
Manager of library services Kerri Contini
said covering some of the graphic pieces was a mutual decision, made in the interests
of children and the viewer’s right to choose whether or not they took a peek at
the art.
Concerns over art exhibition
“We certainly didn’t
ban them,” Ms Contini said.
While also supporting the decision to cover
the graphic artworks, Nambour Falun Gong practitioner Lee Chapman, who also belongs
to the Falun Dafa Association, pointed out that warning signs had been displayed
in front of the exhibition.
Both Ms Chapman and Mr Dowie, who was once arrested
by Chinese Police for campaigning against the incarceration of Falun Gong practitioners,
maintained the importance of the international traveling exhibition.
They
said it promoted awareness of the many people being persecuted by the Chinese
government for practicing Falun Gong.
“These beautiful people haven’t
got a voice. Unless we speak out these people die for their principles and no
one knows,” Ms Chapman said.
Mr Dowie praised the library’s management
for its support for the Falun Gong cause. Another Falun Gong exhibit will open
at the library on Monday.
Howard Government’s view:
The current
Australia government “has no view on Falun Gong’s beliefs or practices, but
believes China’s ban on Falun Gong and its treatment of practitioners breach human
rights.
“Falun Gong activities are banned in China. Penalties include
detention, deportation, arrest and imprisonment. Or approach to human rights in
China is constructive and based on dialogue rather than public confrontation.”
From
Department of Foreign Affairs website.
Posting date: 30/Apr/2005
Original
article date: 28/Apr/2005
Category: Media Report
