"Shadow & Flame" 10x10" Framed Butterflies by Chris Lee

Shadow & Flame juxtaposes the dual faces of nature: concealment and brilliance. At the top, a butterfly reveals vivid orange flame-like markings against a dark, smoky backdrop — a surprise hidden within its otherwise muted exterior. Beneath it, a second butterfly mirrors the leaf-like camouflage for which this species is renowned. Chris Lee’s presentation draws attention to the survival strategies of these remarkable creatures, where stillness and flash coexist in a single form.

The stark white background intensifies both the drama of the upper butterfly’s coloring and the quiet subtlety of the lower one’s mimicry. Together, they speak of nature’s dualities: seen and unseen, light and shadow, life and illusion.

Butterfly Identification:

• Species: Kallima inachus (Orange Oakleaf or Indian Leaf Butterfly)

• Native Range: South Asia to Southeast Asia

• Notable Traits: Closed wings mimic dry leaves in astonishing detail; open wings reveal vibrant orange and black bands

Frame Features:

• Outer Frame: Metallic with a slightly bronzed or warm gold-silver sheen, offering a refined, gallery-quality presentation

• Inner Matting: Crisp white with deep-set shadowbox spacing for a dimensional effect

• Background: Smooth white, minimal and clean to heighten contrast

• Front Panel: Glass (as with all of Chris Lee's works) for clear visibility and protection

• Display Style: Vertical alignment, echoing the contrast between boldness and subtlety