Olivia was born in Nogales, Mexico, studied Communications at the University Autonomus of Guadalajara, Art history in Switzerland and Italy and photography at Santa Monica College and Art Center College of Design. Barrionuevo has covered Mexican presidential elections, intern with The Los Angeles Times and Annie Leibovitz. She has been exhibited at the Museum of Tolerance, University of Judaism, Self-Help Graphics, Center of Fine Art Photography and Belenky Gallery in New York and General Consulate of Mexico in LA. Her work is part of the permanent collection of Centro de la Imagen in Mexico, City. Recently she was shortlisted for Lucie Awards Scholarship. Her works explores, cultural history, symbols and identity.