Biography
Dynasty
Dags comes from a multi-generational dynasty of cultural professionals — in such families, culture is cultivated from early childhood. He believes the laws governing art, music and literature are universal, as they all target the nuances of human perception. With grandfathers who were organists, a mother who was a cultural scholar, and a father who was a poet and Director of the National Opera, Dags grew up surrounded by his most rigorous critics. He holds two degrees from the Art Academy of Latvia — one in Conceptual Painting, another in Art Theory and Pedagogy.
Dialogue
The artist's primary mission is to provoke the viewer into a dialogue through catharsis. As verbal communication has become devalued by falsehoods in the public sphere, Dags meticulously plans his paintings through countless sketches to embed a socially active message within the language of art. Using counterpoint and the triptych format, he juxtaposes subcultural layers — dissecting reality into humanity, civilization, urban environment and nature. While the compositions are intellectually structured, the execution follows the alla prima method, preserving the vitality and lightness of the brushstroke.
Founder
By studying the management of art in European capitals, Dags explored self-financing models for the arts. In 2008 his family established “Pinakotēka-Rīga”, a 2000 m² exhibition space. This was followed by the Happy Art Museum, which organized international exhibitions from Hong Kong to Tel Aviv without state funding. To integrate Latvia into the global art market, he founded ART RIGA FAIR — an annual event connecting Latvian and international artists, galleries and collectors.
Roles
- • Founder & Art Director, ART RIGA FAIR (2014–2021) — artriga.com
- • Founder & director, Happy Art Museum gallery (2009–2021)
- • Co-creator & artistic director, Pinakotēka exhibition hall, 2500 m² (2009–2015)
- • Curator, Latvian Society of Artists annual “Autumn” exhibitions (2007–2010)
- • Member of the Latvian Society of Artists since 2004
- • Studied at the Latvian Academy of Arts: Conceptual Painting (2000–2006); Art Theory & Pedagogy (1980–1985)