Han Lei’s earlier photography seemed rather unintentional, perhaps they were indeed. But the uncommon perspectives and dislocated attitude reveal a decisive stand. That is, they are not attempting to restore the reality of life, but rather are intended to reveal the artist’s thinking process through his manipulation of the subject matter; from a public discourse, entering into the artist’s hidden personal space. It is a representation, a remaking rather than simply a presentation. The meaning and form that are contained cannot be described simply as ’representing life’ or ’recording time.’"
excerpt taken from "Perhaps a Misreading of Han Lei" written by Huang Liaoyuan.