To celebrate her legacy, Lee’s family have produced a documentary, “Perfectly Imperfect: The Janet Lee Story”, which celebrates her life, art and enduring spirit, told through the words of those who knew her best.
According to Lee’s mother Joyce Moi, many viewers appreciate how the documentary beautifully captures the essence, artistry and legacy of her daughter, who died of ovarian cancer in 2023 at age 33.
“It’s an emotional portrayal of Janet’s life. It doesn’t depict her as a flawless motivational figure, but as a deeply human person whose challenges and growth made her journey relatable and profoundly moving,” Moi told FMT Lifestyle.
“Perfectly Imperfect” had its premiere screening on Nov 6 in conjunction with the fifth anniversary of the Janet Lee Gallery, set up by Moi and her husband Lee Tiam to honour their daughter’s memory by preserving and showcasing her artworks.
Identifying as a “colourist”, Lee created over 100 paintings, many featuring bright and vibrant hues. They have been sold in countries including the US, UK, Singapore, Philippines, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
The film also serves as a call to action to empower neurodivergent individuals with the freedom to be themselves, and to let every unique person shine within a supportive community.
Moi shared that she had originally planned to write a book on her daughter’s legacy. But she ended up sharing her story with author Lian Wai Bee, who featured Lee’s journey in her book “Embracing Imperfections: Women’s Stories of Triumph”.
Moi was therefore inspired to tell another version of her daughter’s life. When a film producer offered her the opportunity to make a documentary, she leapt at the chance.
“I realised that a lot of people who had never met Janet wanted to know about her. So while the book shares a mother’s perspective of her daughter, the video shows different sides of Janet’s life, told through some of the people in her life,” Moi explained.
Among those who feature in the 40-minute documentary are Lee’s sister Joanne, best friend Charissa Yan, Epilepsy Society Malaysia head Dr Sherrini Ahmad, and art collectors Andy Teo, Marcus Hwang and Sook Kuen Choy, who purchased Lee’s paintings.
The film is a tender tribute to Lee, with many sharing moving memories of a spirited young woman whose brief life left a lasting imprint on those she met. The late artist was a true testament to the power of being “perfectly imperfect”.
Moi shared that she hopes to organise group or community screenings of the film, believing it has the potential to touch and inspire viewers.
She also aims to continue Lee’s legacy by creating more pathways for people to achieve their dreams. Part of this would be conducted through the Janet Lee Artpreneur Mentorship Programme – currently in its fourth year – which supports families with neurotypical, artistically challenged children aged 16 and above.
“I hope Janet’s story will continue to live on; that it will be remembered that there was once a girl who lived with a lot of challenges, but because of her positive attitude and perseverance, she managed to go so far,” Moi said.
“The impact she has left behind is so powerful that it continues to help a lot of people. In some ways, it feels like she is still with us.”
Learn more about the Janet Lee Gallery here. Those interested in watching or screening ‘Perfectly Imperfect: The Janet Lee Story’ can contact Joyce Moi at 012-336 1120.