Mosquitoes Leo & Diane Dillon

The composition presents a densely populated scene rendered in a stylized, almost illustrative manner. A dark background serves as a stark foil for the figures, which are delineated with clear outlines and filled with muted, earthy tones punctuated by occasional bursts of brighter color. The arrangement appears chaotic at first glance, but closer inspection reveals a deliberate layering and interaction between the elements.
A prominent serpentine form dominates the lower portion of the image, its undulating body creating a visual pathway through the scene. Its coloration shifts subtly from lavender to grey, lending it an ethereal quality while simultaneously suggesting a sense of menace. Above this snake, a figure with exaggerated facial features – large eyes and a pronounced nose – is positioned centrally. The head is framed by two large, circular forms that resemble horns or antennae, contributing to the overall feeling of surrealism.
To the left, a fox stands protectively over a rabbit, while a small pink bird perches nearby. This grouping introduces an element of domesticity and potential vulnerability within the otherwise unsettling environment. A winged figure, seemingly human but with insect-like features, is positioned on the right side, its posture suggesting both curiosity and aggression as it gestures towards the central figure. A bird flies above the fox and rabbit.
The artist’s use of simplified forms and flattened perspective creates a dreamlike atmosphere, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The juxtaposition of seemingly disparate creatures – the fox, rabbit, snake, human-insect hybrid – suggests an allegorical narrative, though its precise meaning remains open to interpretation. One possible reading is that it explores themes of predation, protection, and the uneasy coexistence of different species or social groups. The dark background amplifies the sense of isolation and potential danger inherent in this symbolic landscape. The overall effect is one of unsettling beauty, inviting contemplation on the complexities of existence and the precariousness of balance.