Graphic designers' posters accepted for juried exhibition
Minh Nguyen '25, of Hanoi, Vietnam, is a computer science major, with a graphic design minor.
Posters with powerful messages by Augustana seniors Minh Nguyen and Syd Yontez are on display in the “Design on the Edge 2” exhibition at Middle Georgia State University through February 26.
“As an artist or designer, it is an honor to get to show one's work anywhere — however, being accepted into a juried show, which means a body of experts reviewed the submissions and accepted the best into the show, is next level,” said Vickie Phipps, associate professor and chair of Augustana’s art department. "Congratulations to both Minh and Syd for earning such prized recognition in the field.”
Nguyen used different languages in "Changes" to create an immediate connection with audiences from different backgrounds.
Yontez's message in "Curb Compliance" is depicted in a skewed symmetry with chunky, bold repetition of a faceless, beaten figure being zipped open, exposed and grabbed at.
In Minh Nguyen’s words …
“If people know me and know my journey in my career path, they will understand that this is a big deal for me as I have always wanted to find a friendly competition to showcase my work, as well as know how others feel about my work.
“The topic for ‘Design on the Edge 2’ — changes — gave me an opportunity to reflect and look back at everything as a whole, to understand how lives progress and people change, as do their opinions about the world. I tried to capture different stages of human reaction when it comes to approaching changes in social issues, environment, politics, genders and people's perceptions.
"I asked myself if it is hardwired in the human brain to be so hostile and angered towards changes, towards norm-breakers, do we need time to actually understand each other and respect our differences and open our hearts to accept each other?
"Everything changes, everything moves, and surely we do not want to be the only ones that stay."
Syd Yontez '25, of Highland Park, Ill., is majoring in fine arts, philosophy and graphic design with plans to study illustration in graduate school.
In Syd Yontez’s words …
“I knew from reading the show description that I wanted to submit ‘Curb Compliance’ because, as an illustrator, I don't often get to promote my graphic design work; it typically ends up filed away! And due to the nature and purpose of this work, I knew that that fate would be an unfortunate one.
“While I made the poster more than a year ago, trans rights and violence are even more pressing issues today given ongoing, recent legislation changes. Most know what's going on, but don't understand or care about the severity, especially if they aren't a part of the queer community.
“That was also my main motivation behind the work: most I've encountered know generally what trans people go through, but seem to accept it as a fact of life. Unfortunately, this conclusion isn't necessarily untrue, but the compliant reaction is abhorrent in my opinion. We must do something, at the very least, feel something.”