Bovey Lee

Peony Mystery,Paper cuts, xuan paper, 15 x 25 cm, 2006

The public obsession with the investigative, mystery crime shows on American television inspired me to create “Peony Mystery.” In these television programs, young, vibrant, and beautiful women are categorically featured as victims of chilling, gruesome murders. Their unclothed bodies are typically discovered in the woods, lying there as if just sleeping or resting in otherwise serene settings.

In “Peony Mystery,” the female nude reclines under a large peony flower, a symbol of beauty. Surrounding the figure are several origami cranes, representing longevity in Chinese culture. In the cutouts, they are used as offerings, tribute, and for well wishes. The faceless figure strips away individuality but simultaneously allows the viewer to relate to her.

Clams
Paper cuts, xuan paper, 17 x 34 cm, 2006
I created “Clams” to depict an oppressive environment in which freedom of speech is compromised. Employing a mirroring composition and scalloped borders, typically seen in traditional Chinese paper cutting, “Clams” illustrates two identical female heads hiding inside the open clams. Their mouths are wide open. But there is a mountain stuck in each of their throats. In the center, a woman tries to push the heads back into the clams. The reflective, double image with centrifugal lines adds urgency and importance to the message.