Extreme contrast is one of the quickest ways to get a viewer to notice what sets something apart from something else. This distinction is important because, it’s the way we as humans identify each other. We know ourselves, by looking at what others aren’t. This stark contrast is heavy at play in the work of Toyin Odutola.

Toyin’s figures are inky black faces and profiles juxtaposed against a crisp eggshell white background. By the moment you’re looking all you can do is focus on the piercing eyes of Toyin’s subjects. Fresh off a recent showing at The Jack Shainman Gallery during this past year’s Art Basel Miami Beach, the Nigerian-born artist is focusing on new works for the new year. Take a closer look at Toyin’s work below.