Program fosters Sino-French artistic bonds

Despite the overcast weather and occasional showers, the public's interest in a gathering of Chinese and French sci-fi artists at Nantou Ancient City in Nanshan District yesterday afternoon prevailed.

Giles Francescano shares his experience working with students in the “Second Chance School” initiative during the“A Date in Ancient City” event yesterday afternoon at Nantou Ancient City. Photos by Lin Songtao

During the “A Date in Ancient City: An Artistic Conversation from the Marvel Universe to Wandering Earth” event, the artists shared their design stories and insights on sci-fi and fantasy art.

The dialogue was one of a series of cultural engagements that are part of the Chinese/French Artists Exchange Program's third season, which opened in Shekou on Saturday afternoon and will run through Nov. 25. These events aim to foster artistic collaboration and cultural understanding between the two nations.

Nicolas Petrimaux, creator of the "llFaut Flinguer Ramirez" series, shares insights on narrative techniques and storyboarding in comic creation during yesterday afternoon's event.

French illustrator Gilles Francescano shared his experience working with students in the “Second Chance School” initiative — he encouraged students to create an image reflecting their identity and aspirations, with an aim to open a window into their inner worlds through their artwork.

Concept designer Nicolas Petrimaux briefly introduced the use of narrative and storyboarding in comic creation by drawing on his own works and projects.

On Saturday, Francescano and Petrimaux attended the exchange program's launch ceremony in Shekou, themed “Sci-Fi and Fantasy,” where they participated in lively discussions and exchanged insights with Chinese sci-fi illustrator Zhao Enzhe and other domestic artists. 

Chinese CG artist Xiao Zhuangyue delivers a presentation at yesterday afternoon's event. 

Francescano said that it was an honor to visit Nanshan District and shared his eagerness to connect with Chinese sci-fi novelists and artists, highlighting the importance of exchanging valuable experiences.

During the opening ceremony, Shenzhen-based sci-fi novelist Hai Ya, winner of the Best Novelette award at last year's 81st Hugo Awards for "The Time-Space Painter," expressed his anticipation for the creative sparks that this year's exchange program would ignite through idea sharing.

Hai is the third Chinese writer to win the Hugo Award for Best Novelette, following in the steps of Liu Cixin in 2015 and Hao Jingfang in 2016.

Following the ceremony, the Chinese/French SciFi and Fantasy Exhibition featured classic works by artists from the two countries, attracting a large number of Chinese and expat residents. The exhibited pieces covered a wide range of fantasy themes such as outer space, the deep sea, and artificial intelligence. The exhibition will run through Nov. 25.

The Chinese/French Artists Exchange Program is hosted by the Nanshan District Government and organized by Nanshan District Foreign Affairs Office and Shekou Subdistrict Office. Initiated in November 2018, this marks the third season of the program, following the second edition in 2019.