See Me if You Can

About This Work

In See me if you can, Tokn presents a captivating interplay of visibility and concealment, challenging the viewer to engage with the subject on a deeper level. The piece features a striking portrait where the subject’s face is rendered in the artist’s signature high-contrast black and white, defined by sharp shadows and an intense, unwavering gaze. This monochromatic core serves as an anchor, demanding recognition and respect.

Contrasting sharply with the starkness of her features is the vivid, geometric explosion of colour in her head wrap and garment. Swaths of bright yellow, vibrant pink, bold green, and deep blue are interwoven with energetic brushstrokes, creating a dazzling visual mosaic. This brilliant array of colour acts both as a celebration of cultural heritage and as a vibrant shield. The title itself is a provocation-an invitation to look past the dazzling, protective exterior to truly “see” the unshakeable individual beneath. Large hoop earrings frame the composition, adding a final touch of classic, commanding elegance.

As the culminating piece of this collection, See me if you can is a triumphant synthesis of Tokn’s thematic and visual explorations. It leaves the viewer with a lasting impression of a modern African woman who is vividly present, fiercely protected, and entirely in control of how she is seen.