Dillon, Leo & Diane – Mansa Musa 13 (end Leo & Diane Dillon

The composition presents a confined interior space dominated by repetitive geometric patterns and monumental sculptural figures. The perspective is skewed, creating a sense of disorientation and unease; parallel lines converge at unusual points, disrupting any straightforward spatial reading. Here we see a tiled floor composed of interlocking triangles, extending towards a circular pool situated centrally within the scene.
Along the walls are arranged several seated sculptures, each depicting an anthropomorphic figure with canine features – a hybrid of human and animal forms. These figures appear to be guardians or sentinels, their expressions inscrutable and their postures rigid. They are integrated into the brickwork of the walls, suggesting a seamless merging of architecture and sculpture.
A solitary individual, clad in white robes, stands before the pool, seemingly contemplating its surface. The figure’s posture is one of introspection, perhaps even reverence or apprehension. A small object – possibly a key or ceremonial item – lies on the floor near his feet. The water within the pool exhibits concentric ripples, hinting at a recent disturbance or an unseen force emanating from beneath the surface.
The lighting in the painting is dramatic and directional. A strong light source enters from an opening high up on the right side of the composition, casting deep shadows that accentuate the sculptural forms and contribute to the overall atmosphere of mystery. The limited palette – primarily browns, tans, and blacks – reinforces this sense of enclosure and solemnity.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of ritual, confinement, and transformation. The canine figures could represent protectors of a hidden knowledge or gateways to another realm. The pool might symbolize a portal or a source of power, while the solitary figure embodies a seeker or initiate undergoing a trial. The geometric patterns on the floor suggest an underlying order or structure that governs this space, yet their repetition also creates a sense of monotony and entrapment. Overall, the painting evokes a feeling of psychological depth and invites contemplation about the nature of reality and the human condition.