VietNamNet Bridge – A collection of 132 works on truc chi, an artistic handmade paper, is on show at a visual art exhibition in Hue.

Nameless: A work by painter Vo Viet Dung. -- VNS Photo Le Hong Van

Artist Phan Hai Bang, who chairs the Viet Nam Truc Chi Art Foundation, said the exhibition featured works by nine painters from the foundation and another 16 artists and students who created work at a camp held by the foundation this month.

Bang said the exhibition was to introduce the new artistic paper and also a new artform to broader audiences. Four posters depicting Vietnamese old drama figures that won an American Graphic Design Award erlier this year are on display.

“Vietnamese are as skilful as any in the world,” said Bang. “This exhibition is a good chance for people to learn about trucchigraphy, which stands for graphic works on paper.

Painter Bang, who is a senior lecturer at Hue University of Arts, invented the truc chi process, using pulp from bamboo, mulberry and banana plants, and hay. The technique resembles the initial steps of making the Vietnamese do (poonah) paper.

Truc chi art works and daily items first appeared in 2013 and have gained much applause from the art community and consumers.

At the opening ceremony on Monday, the foundation announced a contest for students at universities to create art works on the paper and send them to the foundation for judging.

The show, which is free, is at Imperial Art Gallery, 8 Hung Vuong Street, Hue City. It will stay open until January 5. 

Out of this world: A work by veteran painter Dang Mau Tuu. -- VNS Photo Le Hong Van Opera stars: Posters of Vietnamese drama figures on truc chi paper. -- VNS Photo Nguyen Thuong Hien

Source: VNS