Overseas Chinese in France Celebrate the 15th National Games with Art

PARIS, Sept. 11 — "The stars are beautiful because of a flower you cannot see." Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's timeless line from The Little Prince found new life in Paris this week, as children from Guangzhou painted their own version of that hidden flower.

At the A2Z Art Gallery in Paris's historic 6th arrondissement, a collaborative work titled The Unfinished Garden was unveiled on Wednesday evening. The piece was jointly created by children from the Guangzhou Children's Palace, most of whom are young people with autism, Down syndrome, or other special needs. Counselor Wan Lei from the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the Chinese Embassy in France, together with a Guangzhou overseas Chinese delegation, attended the event. Alongside overseas Chinese in France and French artists, they "lit up" the night sky with their own stars. At the same time, 15 other works themed on sports and flowers were exhibited, symbolizing the spirit of the upcoming 15th National Games of China, to open on November 9.

Founded by Anthony Phuong and Léa Ziwei Li-Phuong in 2009, A2Z is the first Chinese-owned contemporary art gallery in Paris and has hosted over 180 exhibitions, fostering East – West dialogue through art. For founder Li Ziwei, the exhibition was deeply personal. Born in Guangzhou, she once served as a flower girl in the opening ceremony of the 6th National Games. "To echo the 15th National Games in Paris as a cultural participant is a rare blessing," she said. "The power of art lies not in completion, but in connection and sharing."

During the event, Karen Li, Ambassador for the 2025 Guangzhou International Sports Carnival, introduced highlights of the upcoming Games — from technological innovations to cultural showcases — and shared her experience promoting the Games overseas in recent months. "The National Games are not only a celebration of sports in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao," she noted, "but also a festival that unites overseas Chinese worldwide."

The Unfinished Garden measures about one meter by 80 centimeters and reflects a philosophy of inclusion. Ten young artists contributed — the youngest only 10 years old, the eldest 26. Seven of them were children with autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual disabilities. Guided by instructors, they collaborated with peers to merge distinct styles into one work.

The composition avoids a single perspective, using multi-perspective circular composition to present Guangzhou's evolving cityscape. Landmarks such as the Canton Tower and Pearl River are woven together with flowers and greenery. In the foreground, athletes run, swim, and play ball — diverse, even contrasting in style, yet harmoniously coexisting. This multi-view approach echoes the scattered perspective traditions of pre-Renaissance European painting, returning to a freer form of expression that highlights inclusion and coexistence.

"This was the first attempt to have children with and without special needs collaborate on the same canvas, taking turns to contribute from different positions," said art instructor Deng Jingfan. "We weren't sure if it would blend, but in the end, it did — and that is the beauty of art." For parents and students alike, the chance to have their work displayed in Paris was profoundly meaningful. "Our children want more than care — they want recognition for their talents," said Liao Yizhu, head of the integration education program. "Through art, they can show their value."

Local community leaders echoed the same message. Fang Xianqiu, a prominent overseas Chinese figure and president of the Panyu Fushan Association in France, remarked: "Art knows no borders. The National Games are not only a national event, but also a source of pride for overseas Chinese. Art and sport together unite us all."

As Karen Li concluded: "Transforming the power and beauty of sport into vibrant colors is not only an act of creation, but also the purest expression of the sporting spirit — showing how movement transcends boundaries and touches every heart."