Music

Xiyadie works in a laborious papercut tradition originating in the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is traditionally practiced by women, but was taught to him by his mother. He is the first known practitioner to depart from the folk art context and address queer desire. Much like his sexual orientation, which he often had to conceal, acts of same-sex love in his works are embellished and obscured by Chinese symbols and decorative motifs.

The artist adopted the name Xiyadie, meaning Siberian Butterfly, in 2005 after moving to Beijing as a migrant worker and finding acceptance in the queer community there. The insect’s ability to survive harsh conditions resonated with the artist’s experience of discrimination and resilience.