Cai Lei was born in Jilin Province, China in 1983. He studied at the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, graduating with a BFA in Sculpture.

As an 80s generation Chinese artist, Cai Lei has been highly successful in the international art scene. He has exhibited in the Foundation Taylor in France, Louisiana State University Museum of Art, USA and the Jacksonville Museum on Contemporary Art, USA. He currently lives and works in Beijing, China.

Cai Lei believes that his works must only contain the verity of his feelings, the natural state of his soul that is not deliberately intervened with. He explores the relationship between space and illusion creating an illusory space that fluctuates between being two and three-dimensional. His interest in flatness outweighs his interest in space and volume. Using a two dimensional plane as the foundation for his paintings and sculptures, he manages to manipulate the visual interpretation of his viewers.

The painted interiors of hallways or corners oscillate between protruding and receding; creating a visual experience that is unique to each viewer.