“Disturbance in the Colony” by Desmond Morris, dating from 1973, is a work of the Surrealism art movement, belonging to the figurative genre. The artwork depicts an abstract representation of what appears to be a surreal, alien landscape inhabited by peculiar, plant-like creatures. Each creature, with whimsical and elongated forms, appears animated in a scene evocative of both flora and fauna.
The artwork showcases these entities in an array of postures and interactions, imbued with an almost playful tension. The muted color palette of the background contrasts with the vibrant hues of the creatures, drawing attention to their unusual shapes and movements. This surreal setting creates an intriguing visual narrative, emblematic of the Surrealist fascination with the bizarre and the fantastical. The scene is replete with elements that challenge the viewer’s perception, encouraging a deeper contemplation of the imagery and its possible interpretations.