When paper becomes a work of art in itself, independent

With the mission of "giving paper an additional ability, escaping its status as a background to become an independent, self-contained work", bamboo art works have brought a new look, a new trend to enrich Vietnamese paper art.

A bamboo painting.

Open the way for creativity

Getting lost in the space of the exhibition "Tham", it is easy to see that 79 works are divided into 18 topics displayed in 4 spaces, providing a comprehensive view of this unique art form: The space "Bamboo thread journey" shares the achievements; the space "Bamboo thread art" displays works by 9 bamboo thread painters from many periods; the space "Applied fine arts" with works applying bamboo thread graphic techniques combined with projection techniques to show sophistication; the space "Tea meditation" is where art lovers enjoy tea, admire paintings and share their interests in bamboo thread.

Enthusiastically observing the paintings displayed at this exhibition, Master of Heritage Studies Luu Dieu Linh shared: “I have heard about the art of bamboo thread many times, but today I have the opportunity to admire and understand more about this new art form. The works are arranged and illuminated at the cultural space 22 Hang Buom, showing the connection of the values of traditional paper production with contemporary graphic applications. From large, elaborate, highly artistic paintings to small souvenirs such as postcards, fans, hats, table lamps..., familiar and essential items in daily life have opened the way with hope for the creative values of the Vietnamese people”.

According to artist Phan Hai Bang (lecturer at the University of Arts, Hue University), Truc Chi is a new type of paper art - Vietnamese paper art. The name "truc chi" was named by translator Buu Y in 2014, with a similar meaning to washi (washi) which is the word for Japanese handmade paper, hanji (han chi) which is the word for Korean handmade paper, but Truc Chi is more special in that it evokes the image of bamboo, a symbol of Vietnamese culture and spirit. "With the need to find a new type of paper, in 2000, I began to look for the answer to the question "Can paper be a work of art in itself?". The image of the Hue poem conical hat with its visual art elements inspired me to start with Truc Chi paintings" - artist Phan Hai Bang said.

According to artist Phan Hai Bang, the bamboo art works are completely handcrafted according to the motto of "aesthetics -education - society". This new art originates from traditional methods, then comes the creation of bamboo graphic techniques. The spirit of this art is encapsulated in the symbol of the "shoulder pole", which is often placed solemnly in the bamboo cultural space. The carrying pole - a traditional tool, popular in the daily life of ancient Vietnamese people, represents the inner strength and resilient energy of the mother through the sustainable properties of the fiber material. Bamboo was born to honor the value of gratitude and humanity in a creative way through the language of art, while spreading the idea of gender equality in modern society.

“What makes bamboo works special is their vividness and visual stimulation. Unlike traditional paintings, bamboo art uses special effects and lighting technology to create images with vivid and familiar colors, bringing an interesting experience to viewers,” emphasized artist Phan Hai Bang.

To make bamboo become heritage

A space displaying works in the exhibition "Tham".

Artist, curator Nguyen The Son, lecturer at the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences (Hanoi National University) affirmed that the presence and practice of new materials such as bamboo are both experimental and normative, and have a community education value.

“Following the exhibitions that have been held at 22 Hang Buom, the exhibition “Tham” is like an extension of the dialogue between art and heritage in the heart of the thousand-year-old city, showing how works of art are effectively used to bring cultural heritage closer to the public, especially young people.

Coming to the exhibition, art lovers can both enjoy the bamboo works and have the opportunity to talk and experience the value of this art form. The social value of bamboo opens up the story of creativity in using materials for many years, especially in the context of paper art not yet developed in Vietnam. This suggests to us the story of space, as well as about the artwork or their dialogue with environmental factors" - analyzed artist Nguyen The Son.

Concerned about the fact that not many people in Hanoi know about Truc Chi, artist Nguyen The Son believes that there should be more exhibitions, discussions, seminars, workshops... so that the public can know more about this art. "During the Hanoi Creative Design Festival, in addition to the exhibition "Tham" and discussion, we also organize the experience workshop "Truc Chi - The art of humanity". The interactive program is designed and led by visual artist and inspirational art education expert Nguyen Huu Tram Kha. I hope that after these series of activities, the public in the capital will know more about Truc Chi and have more research and application of it in life" - artist Nguyen The Son said.

With the vision of turning bamboo into a heritage, Master Luu Dieu Linh wants to see more clearly the faces, contributions and passion of young people in creating and developing Vietnamese bamboo, because young creators are the future of this art form. “The art of bamboo promotes and spreads the intersection between traditional and modern values, in line with the spirit of operation and development of Hanoi City - a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. I hope that bamboo will have a more stable and clearer life in modern life” - Master Luu Dieu Linh emphasized.

Present at the exhibition "Tham", the representative of Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Lan, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter, said that this is the first time Hoan Kiem District has organized a detailed introduction to Truc Chi. "We want to share our views on the humanistic theme, the foundation of which is inspired by the personal story of painter Phan Hai Bang and his colleagues. We realize that this is a very valuable, beautiful and impressive exhibition, which will certainly be welcomed by art lovers. Hopefully, the exhibition "Tham" and a series of other activities about Truc Chi will not only bring viewers a sense of the creative flow of Truc Chi but also create a unique art space in the capital" - Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Lan expressed.

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