Olivia Nixon: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

 

All Things Hair
Olivia Nixon

The main component of Olivia Nixon’s Bachelor of Fine Arts graduating exhibition, titled “All Things Hair,” is a combination of science, history, and mythology orchestrated and organized within the frames of graphic design. Nixon’s colorful infographics display information on color, texture, and length of hair, as well as many subcategories. The format for Nixon’s exhibition design comes from a childhood visiting various museums with interactive and informative exhibits of their own, which helped to spark her love of learning.

Why hair? According to the artist, “the topic of hair is universal. We express ourselves, describe ourselves and judge each other based on hair… On every continent, in every civilization, everyone has hair and everyone uses it to express who they are.” While the topic of hair is universal, it is also a personal topic, because Nixon’s long, curly hair is often used to identify her, and helps to define who she is.

Nixon’s designs are colorful, clean, and organized. Each component seems to have been carefully considered, down to the punctuation. Her organization creates an easy and logical visual flow for the viewer to follow, within a variety of information. The largest infographics mounted to the walls contain illustrated scientific information, accompanied by smaller panels on pedestals with history, mythology and fun facts. Above all this information is a timeline of hair styles during the twentieth century, created graphically by the artist.

SVSU 50th Anniversary Logo Design and
Locks of Love logo Campaign by Olivia Nixon.

Continuing the theme of hair, Olivia’s exhibit also contains advertisements and a logo identity manual
for the organization Locks of Love, showcasing her versatility as a designer. Saginaw Valley State University has also had the privilege of using Olivia’s design for their 50th anniversary logo, which is available on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and coffee mugs in the campus bookstore, as well as on display in the University Art Gallery.

 Olivia Nixon is graduating at the end of the semester with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Her work, along with the three other graduates of the BFA program, will be on display until December 13th, with a reception on December 5th from 4:30 to 7 pm.



Amy Gibas
Gallery Assistant
University Art Gallery
Saginaw Valley State University