Taiwanese Ice Cream Parlors Through the Eyes of French Comic Artists — Sincere Brushstrokes, Truly Beautiful

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive Report

During the summer vacation, numerous travelers from both domestic and international locations visited Pingtung. Five French comic artists swapped their cameras for sketchbooks to check in, traveling as independent backpackers — taking buses, riding trains, exploring markets, and strolling through parks. The five also used their art to depict the essence of Pingtung. “Papa Paris,” Laurent Lolmède, drew Pingtung’s ice cream parlors with such heartfelt and genuine strokes that it moved many.


▲Five French comic artists. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

The five French comic artists include Matthias Picard, author of the 3D picture book *Jimmy’s Great Underwater Adventure*; “Handsome Boxer” Yann Kebbi; “Wandering Backpacker” Benoit Guillaume; “Papa Paris” Laurent Lolmède; and Olivier Bron.


▲%肌鞍屠璐笫濉甭蘩置痘?龅钠炼???摇＃ㄍ迹?炼?馗?峁?┘/strong)


Invited by Pingtung County Government to attend the “Pingtung International 3D Comic Festival,” the five held multiple lectures, guided exhibitions of illustrated stories, and even took a group of students interested in drawing to do quick sketches in the park. Their approachable yet slightly shy artistic demeanor earned high praise from the public. Among them, “Papa Paris” Laurent Lolmède’s portrayal of Pingtung’s ice cream parlors was filled with sincere emotion, deeply touching those who saw it.

“Papa Paris” Laurent Lolmède lamented that while the world is busy rapidly snapping photos and checking in on Facebook, using one’s eyes and a paintbrush allows for a more nuanced appreciation and discovery of the unique beauty found in every city and rural area. “Wandering Backpacker” Benoit mentioned that the markets in Pingtung are filled with the constant flow of scooters and crowds — a scene he had never seen in France and which left a deep impression on him. After the other French artists left Taiwan, Benoit plans to continue his “wandering” journey to Taitung.