While studying classical Chinese painting at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in the 1980s, Li Jiwei learned under the discipline of noted artist Ye Qianyu who encouraged students to acquire as much extensive knowledge as possible and to widen their vision. The method of openness inspired Li to research about how to expand classical Chinese art within a modern context.

Since the 1990s, Li has studied, lived and worked in Europe and traveled to North America, to immersing himself in Western art, particularly the evolution of contemporary art. He therefore has formed an abstract style infusing the East and West and the past and present. His explorations have moved from the two-dimensional world on paper to three dimensions, including sculpture and installation.