... was born in Heilongjiang (Northeast China) in 1951, his father Qu Bo was a well-known writer, who had worked with the communist troops in Northeast China. In 1955 his familiy moved to Beijing. Qu Leilei was eight years old when he began to learn traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting. Later he became interested also in Western art. Between 1977 and 1978 he studied anatomy at the Beijing Medical College. In 1979 he founded - together with Ma Desheng, Huang Rui, Zhoung Acheng and others the "Stars" Artists' Association and participated in their exhibitions. Qu also contributed illustrations to the Independent Journal "Today". Between 1982 and 1985 he worked as a graphical designer for the Central Chinese TV. In 1985 Qu Leilei moved to London to continue studying arts and become an independent painter. He participated in numerous of exhibitions in England, France, Venice, New York and other places. Today Qu Leilei lives with his family in London's Wimbledon district.