Han Lei was born in 1967 in Kaifeng, Henan, and is known for his keen documentation of China’s era of dramatic transformation. He graduated in 1989 from the Central Academy of Arts and Design (now the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University), specializing in book design. Since his student years, Han has focused on street photography, using his lens to capture everyday moments during China’s social transition in the 1980s and 1990s. His works encompass northern snow-covered landscapes, southern street scenes, and the simple lives of ordinary people. Presented in black and white, his images convey both a strong sense of history and a deep connection to local culture.

The Kaifeng and Luochuan series employ stark black-and-white imagery to document the textures of an era and the cultural atmosphere of China’s social transformation. Kaifeng focuses on Han Lei’s hometown during the 1980s and 1990s, capturing candid street scenes beneath the ancient city walls, including bustling crowds, festive celebrations, and everyday life. Within the composition, hazy figures blend with elements such as kites and cranes, juxtaposing tradition and modernity. The blurred sense of time and space subtly alludes to the ephemeral nature of collective memory. In contrast, Luochuan delves into the folk culture of Shaanxi, capturing the “Punishment” series within traditional Shehuo (folk festival) performances. Through a mystical perspective, it explores folk perceptions of good and evil. Scenes such as a man holding a floral umbrella or Shehuo performers wearing bloodied makeup are grounded in real folk traditions, yet, through dramatic composition, blur the boundary between reality and fiction—offering a profound meditation on cultural symbolism. Both series employ a restrained visual language, elevating everyday moments into historical snapshots. They not only carry a deep sense of historical weight but also subtly express concerns about the alienation of human nature amid rapid urbanization.