Maija Dragūne

Biography

Latvian graphic artist Maija Dragūne was born on April 19, 1945, in Rīga, into the family of illustrator Voldemārs Dragūns. She received her professional education at the Janis Rozentāls Art School, graduating in 1963, and in 1970 she graduated from the Graphic Arts Department of the Art Academy of Latvia. From 1979 to 1994, she worked as an art editor at the “Liesma” publishing house, and from 1979 to 1996, she was a teacher at the Janis Rozentāls Art    School.^[1]

Artistic style

Dragūne has a unique artistic style, which is clearly evident in her easel and book graphics. Lithography is the main form of expression in her work, although the artist also created watercolors and illustrations for books. A characteristic mark of her style is black-and-white lithographs with strong contrasts, vivid tonal transitions, multi-layered artistic imagery, and ironic poeticism. Her works are characterized by precision, harmony between black and white planes, rhythmic lines, and clear composition. In the center of her work is nature, intertwined with elements of fantasy, as well as water motifs and carnival images. Notably, Dragūne illustrates books using a variety of techniques – lithography, watercolor, gouache, ink, and chalk drawing – seamlessly integrating all structural elements into a unified artistic ensemble.

Dragūne has been participating in exhibitions since 1970. She has held several solo exhibitions in Latvia and has also taken part in group exhibitions, biennials, and triennials both in Latvia and abroad. For her artistic work, Dragūne has received recognition and awards, including honors at the Tallinn Graphic Art Triennial, and in 1984 she was awarded the silver medal at the Paris Spring Salon. The artist’s works are included in the collections of the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Latvian Artists’ Union Museum, and the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.^{[2] [3]}

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^[1] Reihmane L. Dragūne, Maija // Māksla un arhitektūra biogrāfijās, I / Atb. red. A. Vilsons. Rīga: Latvijas enciklopēdija, 1995.–126.–127. lpp.

^[2] Ibid.

^[3] https://rothkomuseum.com/ekspozicija/maija-dragune-litografija/ (vd. 16.08.2025)