Artist Zhang Chaohui. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Being produced on soft, absorbent xuan rice paper, Chinese ink drawings, while beautiful, can often appear flat or leave the view with the impression that the medium is not the most ideal for depicting a sense of light and space.

Beijing artist Zhang Chaohui has taken up the challenge to demonstrate the versatility of the classic art form at depicting changes of light by patiently building varied shades and layers of ink upon the paper.

His experiments and techniques are part of ongoing exhibition at Beijing's Ici Labas gallery, Light and Illusion, which runs through May 27.

A painting by Zhang Chaohui. [Photo provided to China Daily]