About the Illustration: Timeless Melodies
Timeless Melodies captures a vivid scene at a Teochew opera theatre, complete with vibrant painted backdrops, ornate performance costumes, and the lively, melodic voices of the performers. It brings to life cherished memories of following our grandparents to watch their favourite live performances as children. The story being performed is “Butterfly Lovers”, a tragic romance between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. This tale is one of Lei’s grandma’s favourites; she even owns a disc version, which she would play repeatedly at home, its scenes and melodies etched vividly in her memory. Through this illustration, Lei aims to celebrate the intimate connection between generations forged by timeless art forms.
 
About the Artist: Paperlileis
Inspired by the mundane moments of everyday life, Lei seeks to capture how light falls and the simple scenes that often go unnoticed in her illustrations. She has a deep appreciation for traditions and cultures, viewing them as threads that connect us to our childhood and community. Through her brisk yet evocative drawing style, Lei hopes to evoke a sense of warmth and introspection in her viewers.