Falun Gong Artists Shine at NTD Figure Painting Competition

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Family traditions, ethnic culture and the bittersweet moments of life.

[Ben Hedges, NTD News]:"I'm here at New York's Salmagundi Club for NTD's 3rd International Chinese Figure Painting Competition. Of over 140 artworks entered into the competition, 50 have made it through to the final."

This is a traditional painting competition, General Manager Dr. Xueye Zhu explains.

[Dr. Xueye Zhu, Competition General Manager]:(Male, Chinese)
"There are two main points, the first point is they must use the traditional, orthodox style of realism to produce oil paintings. The second point is they must express aspects of traditional, orthodox culture from China's 5000 year history."

NTD's competition serves as a platform for the renewal of traditional realist techniques. These techniques fell out of fashion as abstract art gained prominence in the 20th century.

Art Collector and Chairman of the Art Renewal Center says this is an important contribution to the art world.

[Fred Ross, Art Collector]:(Male, English)
"We are bearing witness here at this great competition, that the fine arts of painting, drawing and sculpture are returning to their rightful place alongside the other great arts or writing, poetry, music, dance and theater. And to affirm that fine art is only at its best when using the grammar and vocabulary of traditional realism."

Today was the award ceremony. 9 artists received honorable mention awards, while two bronze, two silver and two gold awards were handed out.

The two gold winners are both practitioners of Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual practice.

Michelle Chen's painting "My Mom" depicts a child's vision of her mother's spiritual bodies in the heavens as she practices meditation.

[Michelle Chen, Gold Award Winner]:(Female, Chinese)
"Through meditation, you can experience some beautiful things