Parisian walkways

Chinese artists at the vanguard of Chengdu's creative renaissance build more than their reputation at Paris' Parcours Saint-Germain

At the end of May in Paris, the sun was fierce and dazzling. A "bamboo scaffold" stood in front of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres Cathedral, causing passers-by to stop and take a look. The Place Furstenberg (also known as "Valentine's Square"), which is a few steps away, is also different from usual. A street lamp was surrounded by a semi-translucent tile wall.

The two artworks - which feature elements inspired by Chengdu and oriental charm - have been created and presented by Zhao Mi and Chen Weicai, two leading artists from Sichuan province. Their goal of this trip was to participate in the 18th Parcours Saint-Germain in the heart of the city's Rive Gauche - or Left Bank - and help open a dialogue between the world and the motifs of traditional Chinese culture.