MyLoveyMyDearHaveYouComeBackToStay Leo & Diane Dillon

The composition presents a densely populated scene within an ornate, gilded frame that immediately establishes a sense of theatricality and artifice. The central focus is drawn to a figure in red robes striding purposefully forward, seemingly oblivious to the fantastical elements surrounding them. This individual’s posture conveys determination or perhaps urgency, yet their face remains obscured, contributing to a feeling of detachment from the narrative unfolding around them.
To the left, an elaborate procession unfolds atop what appears to be a mechanical dragon. The riders are adorned in extravagant costumes and weaponry, suggesting a display of power or ceremonial significance. Their expressions are difficult to discern, but they seem engaged in some form of performance or ritualistic activity. The dragon itself is rendered with intricate detail, its metallic scales and gears hinting at an artificial construction rather than organic life.
Below the central figure and the procession, a bizarre assemblage of creatures occupies the foreground. A large, reptilian being with a human-like face dominates this area, appearing to be entangled in vines or foliage. Flanking it are two humanoid figures with distinctly vegetal features – their bodies resembling cacti or other succulent plants. These beings possess an unsettling stillness and appear almost as if they are part of the landscape itself.
The background is rendered in a muted palette of yellows and greens, creating a hazy atmosphere that further emphasizes the surreal nature of the scene. The perspective is somewhat flattened, contributing to the overall feeling of a staged tableau.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of power, performance, and alienation. The red-robed figure’s anonymity suggests a commentary on individual identity within larger systems or institutions. The mechanical dragon and its riders could be interpreted as symbols of artificial authority or manufactured spectacle. The strange creatures in the foreground introduce an element of the uncanny, questioning the boundaries between nature, technology, and humanity. The ornate frame itself serves to highlight the constructed nature of reality, suggesting that what is presented is a carefully curated illusion rather than a straightforward depiction of events. Overall, the piece evokes a sense of melancholy and detachment, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human existence within a world increasingly shaped by artifice and spectacle.