Surprise, an exhibition of Maija Tabaka’s paintings opens at the gallery Daugava on December 7. Although regarded as one of the most brilliant contemporary painters, her reputation of brilliance dates to the 1970s when her solo exhibitions attracted long lines of people along Valdemara street (formerly Gorky street) eager to enter the museum. Despite negative official reviews, her popularity continued to grow as did the interest in her painting. Nothing has changed to this day. Her ability to depict and execute almost anything seems unlimited: light, shade, the sun, water, forests, luxurious fabrics, noble metals, dew drops on a blossoming flower as well as handsome interesting people. With an exceptional imagination and an ability to fantasize she can easily combine different times and epochs, often appearing to have the qualities of a magician. This is evidenced by her self-portrait on a rope surrounded by numerous fauns and gypsies with their pagan joys and fantastic dreams. Given the artist’s background and multiple talents, surely viewers will find a surprise in the exhibition.