DA LAT — Pioneering painter Phan Hai Bang has literally given the art world some stick with his latest showcase, which features pictures made on truc chi (bamboo paper).

Bang has invented the new truc chi material, enabling him to create paintings and artworks which display stunning sunk carving patterns when lit.

He has also experimented with etchings, lithographs and graphic printing for the exhibition at XQ Hand-embroidery Company, with impressive results.

To make truc chi, Bang soaks bamboo sticks before boiling them in lime water and pulverising them into paper pulp. He then forms the paper sheets, the most important process in achieving the hidden patterns.

The exhibition runs until the end of this month at 258 Mai Anh Dao Street, Da Lat city. — VNS