Wu Kui (1914-1970) was from Guiyang, Guizhou Province. In his youth, Wu studied at the Beiping Art School and the Shanghai Art School and he participated in anti-Japanese activities. He joined the People's Liberation Army in 1937. After 1949, Wu was active in the Nanjing Literature and Art Work Corps, the Jiangsu Provincial Creative Bureau, New Culture Paper publishers (Xin wenhua bao she 新文化报社) and the Jiangsu People's Publishing House.

Wu started as a painter in the Western style, but later also engaged in wood engraving, cartoons and murals. Later, he became an expert in Chinese painting. Some of his works have been included in the collection of the China Art Gallery.