The tail wags the dog, 2022

Voichenko Sergiy  

Voich97

 "The Tail Wags the Dog" is an abstract oil painting that captures the playful essence of the saying through a dynamic and textured portrayal of a dog. Dominated by warm yellows, rich browns, and contrasting splashes of red and blue, the painting is a whirlwind of movement around the central figure of the dog, whose form is suggested rather than explicitly detailed. The canine subject is depicted in a fragmented, almost cubist style, with its features—pointed ears, a snout, and a wagging tail—emerging from the kaleidoscope of colors and shapes that surround it. The composition conveys a sense of motion, as if the dog's wagging tail is setting the entire scene into a joyful spin. The abstract nature of the portrayal suggests that the movement is not merely physical but symbolic of influence and enthusiasm. The title hints at a reversal of roles, a playful metaphor for situations where the supposed subordinate (the tail) controls the situation (the dog), which is visually represented by the tail seeming to lead the swirl of colors and energy in the painting. The dog's form appears to be both dissolving into and emerging from the abstract background, indicating a dynamic interplay between the animal and its surroundings. The painting is a textural feast, with thick impasto techniques giving a tactile dimension to the lively scene. The overall effect is one of vibrancy and vivacity, a visual representation of energy and movement that encourages the viewer to consider the interplay between the leading and the following forces in life.