Mao Yiwei, also know as Ye Wei (叶维), was born in Changshu, Jiangsu Province in 1940. He graduated from the Fine Arts Department of the Nanjing Normal University in 1961, and worked as an arts teacher in middle schools and as a mass art cadre in cultural centers. He now works in the New Year Picture and Propaganda Art Editorial Office of the Jiangsu Provincial Fine Arts Publishing House.

Mao is best know for his Chinese paintings. His works have been awarded prizes. He is included in the Jiangsu Provincial Art Gallery.