Dibious Friends Lesley Harrison

The artwork presents a striking juxtaposition of scale and species through a tender interaction between a horse and a kitten. Here we see a dark bay horse dominating the composition, its head lowered towards a small, light-colored kitten perched on a weathered wooden fence. The horse’s muzzle is gently extended, appearing to offer a soft touch or perhaps a sniff to the diminutive feline.
The artist has employed a high level of realism in rendering both animals, emphasizing their textures and anatomical details. The musculature of the horse is clearly defined, while the kittens fur appears soft and delicate. This meticulous attention to detail contributes to the overall sense of believability within the scene.
A dense field of yellow flowers fills the background, creating a vibrant contrast with the dark tones of the horse’s coat. The flowers are rendered in a somewhat impressionistic style, blurring their individual forms and contributing to a feeling of abundance and warmth. This backdrop serves not only as visual interest but also suggests a pastoral setting, reinforcing themes of nature and harmony.
The subtext within this painting revolves around unexpected companionship and the transcendence of natural boundaries. The horse, typically perceived as powerful and imposing, exhibits gentleness and vulnerability in its interaction with the kitten. Conversely, the kitten’s boldness in approaching such a large creature suggests a lack of fear and an innate trust. This dynamic challenges conventional notions of predator-prey relationships or hierarchical structures within the animal kingdom.
The fence acts as a symbolic barrier, yet it is easily overcome by the animals mutual affection. It can be interpreted as representing societal divisions or preconceived notions that are dissolved through empathy and connection. The overall effect is one of quiet joy and an affirmation of the potential for harmony between seemingly disparate beings.