Can Tho (VNA)ꩵ - Painter Nguyen Van Phuc started using aluminium waste materials like empty beer or juice cans to produce chisel paintings a decade ago, and the slow but highly prized art form has grown in popularity since.

Reportedly being the first to do it in Vietnam, Phuc, with a precise mind and skilled hands, can turn waste materials into sophisticated works of art. He recalled that more than 10 years ago, he took some aluminium left in his house and used a hammer to create different small shapes. "I happened upon an idea to make bas-reliefs on aluminium," said Phuc. He said he has since created many paintings using water colours, oil paints and has made wooden sculptures, but, "these materials are too popular, so I decided to develop a new sculptural style and medium for me: aluminium reliefs". To pursue this art, the painter has to be very patient and meticulous, because a painting could be spoiled if the painter makes an incorrect strike with the chisel and hammer, said Phuc. "I have to spend from three to six months to make a single work," he said. After choosing a subject he paints a draft, places it on top of the aluminium, and begins chiselling it, bit by bit. Apart from chiselling the negative proof, the painter has to know how to create suitable colours and how to preserve the work from being spoiled or degraded. These techniques are very difficult, so very few artists are able to create reliefs on aluminum, Phuc said. Phuc, from the Red Delta province of Hung Yen, moved to the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in 1980, hoping to find ideas for his works. He graduated from the Hanoi Fine Arts College "The peaceful daily life and activities of local people in the delta have inspired me so much to compose my works," said Phuc. He has chiselled hundreds of works, including the Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern Folk Music), which won second prize at the Can Tho Arts Fair in 2012. Also, Cho Noi Cai Rang (Cai Rang Floating Market) and Dat Mui Ca Mau (The Cape of Ca Mau) both won third prizes at the same fair in 2013. Painter Tran Dinh Thao, chairman of Can Tho City's Fine Arts Association, said Phuc is among the very few painters representing the delta and painting it vividly. Painter Do Nam, also of the Can Tho City’s Fine Arts Association, said Phuc's work is attractive because of its simplicity and elegance. He noted that the work helps to portray the hidden charms of Vietnam's rural villages. Nam said he particularly likes Phuc's Giai Dieu Que Huong (Melodies of the Homeland), which won second prize at the Mekong Delta Arts Fair in 2011. Although Phuc is 70, he remains passionate about his work. Apart from creating reliefs, he has opened a class to teach young painters. "I have a plan to open a showroom by the end of this year to display hundreds of my works to introduce them to locals and foreigners visiting the country," the painter said.-VNA