Scottish highlander on the toilet by Lauren Wilde

This work shows a Scottish highlander in a place where you would not immediately expect it: sitting quietly on the toilet. It is precisely this combination of the tough, shaggy animal and this mundane, almost banal setting that makes the image so funny and quirky. The highlander looks straight at you, with that typical long, tousled coat that partly falls in front of his eyes. It gives him an almost human look, as if he is completely unaware of how absurd the situation actually is.

The use of colour is warm and earthy. Deep browns, rust colours and golden highlights intermingle in the fur, making the animal full of life and texture. The horns are set powerfully, with dark lines and subtle light accents providing contrast. The background consists of greyish and beige tones, with rough brushstrokes and paint splatters giving it a playful, loose feel. The white porcelain of the toilet contrasts nicely with this and forms a humorous focal point in the image.

What I love about this work is that it is not only funny, but also surprisingly well balanced. It is playful without becoming childish, tough without feeling heavy. This is art that fits perfectly in a toilet or bathroom, where it evokes smiles and starts conversations. A work that shows that art can also be light-hearted, cheeky and just plain fun.