project
book design for Toyin Ojih Odutela
Toyin Ojih Odutela, a Nigerian visual artist based in New York, explores the art of storytelling with multimedia drawings. She fearlessly challenges society's traditional social and political values in her narratives.
I was assigned to design a book promoting her recent exhibition, "A Countervailing Theory." To countervail means to counter the effect of an opposing force with equal force. Inspired by this theory, Toyin created a captivating story where tension arises between the dominant class of Amazonian women (Eshu) and subservient class of humanoid men (Koba).
approach
The book was designed to fit into her narrative. The typeface was carefully chosen as its organic shapes reflect the intricate and atmospheric nature of her work. Other design choices, including the type treatment, colour palette, half slipcase, and thoughtful details in the page layout evoke the tension existing between the two classes.
