Miervaldis Polis, as noted by the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMM), was a prominent and conceptually significant figure in contemporary Latvian art. His roles as a painter, performance artist, thinker, provocateur, and aesthete distinguished him within the artistic community. Throughout his career, which spanned several decades, Polis continually challenged viewers' perceptions and expanded the boundaries of art, leaving a notable impact on the cultural landscape of Latvia.

Polis made a significant entry into the Latvian art scene during the 1970s after graduating from the Monumental Painting workshop at the Latvian Academy of Arts in 1975. He quickly established himself as one of the innovators of his time. A landmark event in Latvian art history was an exhibition he co-organized in 1974 with fellow artist and partner Līga Purmale at the Rīgas Centrālā poligrāfiķu kluba Fotoklubs "Rīga," which displayed works considered among the first samples of photorealism in Latvian art. This exhibition marked a turning point for the representation of contemporary ideas in the Latvian art narrative.

Throughout his career, Polis maintained a profound and persistent interest in the perception of reality. His work not only showcased artistic skills but also engaged with philosophical musings, pushing viewers to reconsider their understanding of life and art. His passing is a significant loss to the Latvian artistic community, which has collectively mourned the departure of a visionary artist who continually inspired and provoked thought within the realms of contemporary art.