Season Diane Dillon

The artwork presents a layered composition on a warm, earthy-toned background. A distinct border frames the scene, adorned with stylized floral motifs in red, providing a visual boundary and suggesting a ceremonial or ritualistic context.
Dominating the upper portion of the canvas are several aquatic creatures rendered in a simplified, almost schematic style. Three fish, each marked with unique patterns of lines and dots, swim across the space. One appears to be leaping upward, creating a dynamic sense of movement. Adjacent to these is an animal resembling a turtle or tortoise, also decorated with geometric designs. A serpentine form winds its way through this group, connecting them visually and potentially symbolizing cyclical renewal or interconnectedness.
Below the aquatic figures, human forms are depicted in a similar stylized manner. They appear to be engaged in some kind of procession or ritual dance. The figures’ limbs are elongated and angular, their bodies represented by geometric shapes. One figure holds what appears to be a staff or spear, suggesting leadership or authority within the group. Their posture conveys a sense of collective action and purpose.
The arrangement of elements suggests a narrative sequence or a symbolic representation of natural cycles. The aquatic creatures likely represent abundance and sustenance, while the human figures may symbolize humanity’s relationship with nature and their role in maintaining balance.
The use of repetitive patterns and geometric shapes throughout the composition creates a sense of rhythm and visual unity. This stylistic approach is characteristic of indigenous artistic traditions, where symbolism and storytelling are often conveyed through abstract forms. The inscription AND A TIME TO SPEAK at the bottom of the work hints at an oral tradition or a moment of shared communication within the depicted community. It implies that the scene holds significance beyond its purely visual elements, potentially conveying a message or teaching passed down through generations.