Wang Lei was born in 1980 in Dancheng, Henan Province, China. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Henan University in 2003, and later received a Master of Fine Arts from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), Beijing, in 2010. He is currently based in Beijing and serves as a lecturer at Zhejiang Normal University.
Wang Lei is known for his intricate and labor-intensive technique of knitting with paper, creating works that merge traditional symbolism with contemporary reflections on history, memory, and identity. Using materials such as newspapers, dictionaries, and historical garments, he constructs large-scale woven installations that reinterpret imperial robes, cultural artifacts, and everyday objects. 

In 2015, Wang Lei participated in the group exhibition (un)usual at Redbase Foundation Indonesia, showcasing his practice within the context of contemporary material exploration. His recent work was also featured in Gravity’s Rainbow (2024) at Loft 8 Galerie, Vienna, presented in collaboration with Blue Mountain Contemporary Art. 

Wang Lei’s works have been widely exhibited in China and internationally, with solo exhibitions at the National Art Museum of China and Tianjin Art Museum. His art is part of major public and private collections, including the White Rabbit Collection, National Art Museum of China, and institutions across the US, Europe, and Australia.