bs-fsf- Dave Mc Kean- The Dreaming No59- Attack Dave Mc Kean

The composition presents a chaotic scene of conflict, rendered in a palette dominated by ochre and burnt sienna tones that contribute to a sense of oppressive heat or decay. Here we see figures engaged in what appears to be a violent melee, though the precise nature of their struggle remains ambiguous. The central focus is drawn to two combatants locked in close proximity; one mounted on an equine form, wielding a rapier, and another positioned above him, seemingly poised for attack with a bladed weapon.
The artist has employed a technique that blends realism with distortion. While the figures possess anatomical detail suggestive of Renaissance-era armor and weaponry, their features are subtly warped, creating an unsettling effect. The horse’s head, in particular, is rendered with an almost grotesque exaggeration, its expression conveying a mixture of pain and aggression. This departure from naturalistic representation hints at a symbolic or psychological dimension beyond the literal depiction of battle.
Below the central figures, other individuals are visible, also armed and engaged in conflict. Their faces are partially obscured, adding to the overall sense of disorientation and anonymity within the scene. The presence of multiple blades suggests widespread violence and a lack of clear distinction between aggressor and victim.
The background is indistinct, appearing as a textured surface that further contributes to the claustrophobic atmosphere. It lacks depth or perspective, flattening the composition and intensifying the feeling of being trapped within this violent encounter. This absence of spatial context reinforces the impression that the scene exists outside of conventional reality, perhaps within a dreamscape or nightmare.
Subtexts embedded in the work suggest themes of aggression, power dynamics, and psychological turmoil. The distorted features and unsettling atmosphere imply an exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, potentially examining the destructive consequences of conflict and the fragility of identity under duress. The muted color scheme and lack of clear narrative further contribute to a sense of unease and ambiguity, inviting viewers to contemplate the underlying anxieties that fuel such violent encounters.