From Marseille to Shanghai: A French Artist’s Journey
Quentin Foucque, an artist from Marseille, France, shares a unique bond with Shanghai that has shaped his life and work. Born in 1987—the same year Marseille and Shanghai became sister cities—Foucque’s connection to the Chinese metropolis seems almost destined.
In 2010, a two-week trip to Shanghai transformed Foucque’s perspective. Captivated by the city’s dynamic energy, futuristic skyline, and dazzling neon lights, he found himself irresistibly drawn to this bustling hub of opportunity. “Shanghai felt like a city of the future,” he recalls. “Its vibrancy and pace were unlike anything I’d experienced before.”
What began as a brief visit turned into a profound life change. Foucque decided to make Shanghai his home, spending more than half of his adult life immersed in its culture and communities. He forged deep friendships and discovered that people from Shanghai and Marseille share striking similarities. “Both cities are open-minded and welcoming,” he notes. “There’s a shared spirit of hospitality that makes you feel at home.”
Foucque hopes that his story will inspire greater cultural exchange between France and China. He believes that efforts like streamlining visa procedures can encourage more Chinese tourists to explore Marseille and other French cities. “There’s so much to share and learn from one another,” he says with a smile. “I look forward to seeing more connections blossom between our countries.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
