Li Rui was born in 1983 and comes from Yunnan’s Hani tribe. His tribal name is Yun Guran. His teacher Mao Xuhui from Yunnan University’s School of Art and Design called him a “pure seed of Yunnan.” Li Rui grew up in a Yunnan farming community and later went to bustling Kunming to pursue his studies, where he experienced the fast-paced rhythm and impact of city life but also felt lost and confused in the false and bewildering milieu. He became tired and weary of the frenzy of the city and longed for the calm simplicity of home. Li Rui recalled the pure land of Yunnan that was deep in his heart and decided to return home and work on his art full time.