On Wednesday, December 3, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beijing, kicking off his fourth state visit to the Chinese mainland. This trip marks 61 years since France and the Chinese mainland established diplomatic relations, underscoring deepening cooperation in culture, economy and people-to-people exchanges.
Born in Marseille in 1987—the same year his hometown and Shanghai became sister cities—artist Quentin Foucque has found his creative voice bridging two dynamic metropolises. After a two-week visit to Shanghai in 2010, Foucque was captivated by the city’s futuristic skyline, neon-lit streets and vibrant art scene.
"Shanghai felt like the future in motion," Foucque recalls. "The energy here inspired a new palette in my work."
Back in Marseille, his murals echo the bold colors and dynamic forms he first witnessed in Shanghai’s neon districts. Through mixed-media pieces and digital installations, Foucque blends Mediterranean warmth with East Asian futurism, crafting a visual dialogue that resonates with young global citizens and art enthusiasts alike.
His journey exemplifies the power of cultural exchange—a theme at the heart of Macron’s visit this year. As France and the Chinese mainland explore joint projects in creative industries and tech innovation, artists like Foucque are living proof that sister-city ties can spark innovation and foster cross-cultural understanding.
For Foucque, the bridge between Marseille and Shanghai isn’t just geographic—it’s a testament to how art can transcend borders and connect communities across seas. "Art is my passport," he says. "It allows me to navigate different worlds and bring back new stories to my audience."
Reference(s):
We Talk: Marseille to Shanghai, a French artist's life in two cities
cgtn.com
