Cebu as seen by a young French artist

Twenty-five-year-old Niña Mancao simply loves to travel. She enjoys experiencing new customs, discovering different values and what this wonderful world has to offer.

In her desire and quest for discovery and adventure, this petite lady found herself in Laos two years ago. She communed with nature, wandered through the narrow city streets and village paths, mingled with people while exploring the temples, admiring the colonial architecture, savoring the distinct local cuisine, and trekking to the many hills where tribes of mixed ethno-cultural heritage lived. 

While English has become increasingly spoken in recent years, the official and dominant language is Lao. Understandably this was a problem for Niña. She then searched for some foreign-looking tourists whom she hoped could speak English. One pleasant day she met the young French artist Arno Rocher, who first became her guide and eventually her friend.

Louie Thevenin, Niña Mancao, and Arno Rocher

Upon her invitation, he visited Cebu. During his two-month stay, he painted and sketched several local scenes and landmarks. As a gesture of gratitude, Arno shared his works at two intimate art shows attended by friends and art enthusiasts.

Impressed with his watercolor paintings and ink-and-paper drawings and sketches, restaurateur Deena Pages and daughter Krista graciously hosted the first of two exhibits at their newly renovated, family-owned Kaona Grill restaurant. Among the guests of honor was Louie Thevenin, director of Alliance Française Cebu.

Melody and Dennis Nordine

Club Vudu, the popular watering hole for the city’s party people, was the venue of choice for Arno’s second exhibit. Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier, together with Mary Mancao and Joy Climaco, did the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

His exhibits in Cebu, which focused on black-and-white drawings and sketches, emphasized light and shade, which made the art pieces more dramatic.

Sophie Hussenet and Anton Quisumbing

Arno Rocher is recognized as a young, talented artist in his hometown of Nantes, France. After his studies at the Institute Saint-Luc in Brussels, he began working with transparency and mixed media, capturing his art by using layers of paint on canvas.

Cebu, as seen through the eyes of a young, skilled artist who came to visit, was truly a celebration of friendship and sharing.