Mosquitoes Leo & Diane Dillon

The composition presents a densely populated scene rendered in a stylized, almost graphic manner. A predominantly dark background serves as a stark foil for the vibrant, flat planes of color that define the figures and forms within. The artist employs bold outlines, often highlighted with a lighter hue, to delineate shapes and create a sense of visual separation despite the overall crowdedness.
A central figure, seemingly human in form but abstracted into geometric components, dominates the view. Its face is rendered with large, simplified features – wide eyes and an open mouth – conveying a sense of surprise or perhaps alarm. This individual appears to be interacting with a creature that resembles a monkey, whose posture suggests both agility and a degree of mischievousness. The monkey’s elongated arm extends towards the central figure, further emphasizing this interaction.
The scene is populated by other animalistic forms: an owl perched on what seems to be a fish, another owl observing from the right side, and a green creature with reptilian characteristics positioned in the lower left corner. A small bird sits near the monkey’s feet, adding a touch of lightness to the otherwise intense visual field.
The color palette is limited but impactful. Greens, browns, yellows, and pinks are used extensively, creating a warm yet slightly unsettling atmosphere. The use of flat planes of color, devoid of shading or perspective, contributes to the work’s graphic quality and reinforces its symbolic nature.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of vulnerability and interaction within an ecosystem. The central figures expression suggests a disruption or threat, while the monkey’s presence implies a potential source of that disturbance. The inclusion of various animals – the owl as a symbol of wisdom or observation, the fish representing sustenance, and the reptilian creature hinting at primal instincts – suggests a complex web of relationships and dependencies. The overall impression is one of a contained world, teeming with life but also fraught with underlying tension. It’s possible to interpret this work as an allegory for human interaction with nature, or perhaps a commentary on social dynamics within a community.