WrestleWithDragonsToGetToMySink Leo & Diane Dillon

The composition presents a domestic scene disrupted by a fantastical intrusion. A woman, clad in a white blouse and red skirt, stands confronting a large, dark-scaled dragon that dominates the central space. Her posture suggests both defiance and apprehension; her hands are raised as if attempting to ward off or restrain the creature. The dragon’s mouth is agape, revealing rows of sharp teeth, while its eyes convey an unsettling intelligence.
The setting appears to be a kitchen, evidenced by the presence of cookware hanging on the wall and what seems to be a sink in the background. Several figures, seemingly men, are visible observing the encounter from behind the counter, their expressions ranging from shock to amusement. A cat sits calmly at the woman’s feet, appearing almost indifferent to the extraordinary event unfolding before it.
Scattered across the floor are numerous cucumbers, adding an element of absurdity and surrealism to the scene. Several frogs perch on the walls and ceiling, further contributing to the whimsical atmosphere. The overall color palette is rich and warm, with a strong contrast between the woman’s light clothing and the dragons dark scales.
The painting seems to explore themes of domesticity versus chaos, the mundane versus the magical. The presence of the dragon suggests an unexpected challenge or obstacle that has entered the everyday world. The cucumbers and frogs introduce a layer of playful incongruity, hinting at a narrative that is both serious and humorous. The woman’s calm demeanor in the face of such a bizarre situation implies resilience and perhaps even a degree of acceptance of the absurdities life can present. The onlookers reactions suggest a societal detachment or normalization of extraordinary events. Ultimately, the work invites contemplation on the boundaries between reality and fantasy, and the unexpected intrusions that can disrupt our sense of normalcy.