Mosquitoes Leo & Diane Dillon

The composition presents a stylized figure dominated by curvilinear forms and a limited palette of warm hues – primarily oranges, reds, yellows, and browns – set against a stark white background punctuated by dark vertical planes. The central figure appears to be human in form, though rendered with an abstraction that prioritizes symbolic representation over realistic depiction. A prominent facial feature is immediately noticeable: large, almond-shaped eyes and a simplified nose are set within a broad forehead marked by radiating lines suggestive of tribal markings or perhaps stylized sunbeams.
The body is enveloped in what seems to be a swirling cloak or garment, its edges defined by sharp, angular cuts that create a sense of dynamism and movement. This enveloping form obscures the figure’s lower limbs, leading the eye upwards towards the face. A smaller, bird-like creature occupies the lower left quadrant of the image. Its posture is inquisitive, with its head tilted slightly as it appears to observe the larger figure. The surface beneath this avian element is textured with a dense pattern of intersecting lines, resembling woven fabric or perhaps an abstracted landscape.
The use of flat planes and bold outlines contributes to a graphic quality reminiscent of woodcut prints or traditional African masks. This stylistic choice lends the work a sense of ritualistic significance, hinting at themes of ancestry, identity, and cultural heritage. The limited color range reinforces this impression, evoking a feeling of warmth and intensity.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore ideas of protection and observation. The larger figure’s posture suggests guardianship or perhaps an all-seeing presence. The birds gaze implies scrutiny and potential vulnerability. The patterned ground could symbolize tradition or the weight of history upon which this interaction unfolds. The stark white background serves to isolate the figures, emphasizing their symbolic roles within a contained narrative space. Overall, the work conveys a sense of mystery and invites contemplation on themes of cultural identity, power dynamics, and the interconnectedness of life forms.