The Da Nang Heritage Centre displayed around 80 paintings by 30 artists in the central and Central Highlands regions for its exhibition on 3D printing.

Graphic: A painting depicts a section of a construction site on the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the American War.

This is the first time 3D paintings have ever been exhibited in the central region. The display, located at 78 Le Duan Street, also commemorates the 70th People's Army Day.

3D printing, which debuted in the region two years ago, has attracted young artists, who use nontraditional materials such as plastic, zinc, 3D printed film and installation. In the art form, machines are used to create 3D sculptures and art pieces.

"It's still a new form of art in Vietnam, and Da Nang is the third city, after Hanoi and HCM City, developing 3D painting," said Le Huy Hanh, vice chairman of the Fine Arts Association. "We also included education about the art in the city's Culture and Art College curriculum for this year."

Pham Thanh Hai, 36, displayed his first 3D printed work, Father's Dream, at the exhibition.

"The painting depicts a father's dream about his daughter," Hai said.

"The work starts from an open window, which explains the entrance of a dream, and continues, ending with a twisty image of kids' toys, green shadows of trees and flowers, sun, rivers and streams. My work expresses the development of our society, the value of family and happiness, and children's futures."

Hai said he carved the piece in wood before building it on a computer and printing it as a three-dimensional object.

"Computers helps artists display every angle of a three-dimensional art piece," he said.

"We hope more young people will flock to study the new art, which mixes modernity and tradition."

The city established a Graphic Artists Club in 2012. It has 30 members.

"We have struggled with how to seek long-term funding for hosting workshops for artists," Hanh said.

"The graphic artists will return from the workshops with more ideas for teaching their students."