The University of North Texas (UNT) made headlines recently when they abruptly closed an exhibition featuring works by artist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez. The exhibition, titled Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá, which translates to “neither from here nor from there,” was meant to run from February 3 to May 1 at the College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) Galleries in the UNT Art Building.
The show, curated by Kate Fowle for Boston University Art Galleries before coming to UNT, showcased Quiñonez’s powerful series called I.C.E. Scream. These life-sized sculptures of paletas, or ice pops, serve as both a celebration of Latine immigrant culture and a critique of the violence inflicted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some of the pieces even included handcuffs or revolvers suspended in resin, highlighting the harsh realities faced by immigrants in the United States.
In addition to the I.C.E. Scream series, the exhibition featured graffiti, paintings, and installations that touched on Quiñonez’s Indigenous heritage and street art background. The artist, who grew up in East Dallas, where UNT is located, infuses his work with themes of dual identity and the immigrant experience in America.
The sudden closure of the exhibition came as a shock to Quiñonez, who learned about it through social media messages from students. The gallery’s windows were covered with paper, and all mentions of the show were removed from the school’s website. A few days later, the artist received an email from Stefanie Dlugosz-Acton, director of the CVAD Galleries, informing him that the university had terminated the loan agreement with Boston University and would be returning the exhibit.
Despite not receiving a reason for the closure, Quiñonez suspects that it may be part of a larger trend of censorship against artists who criticize the government. He believes that his work, which speaks to the vulnerability of immigrant communities, may have been deemed too controversial by the administration.
The decision to cancel the exhibition has raised questions about freedom of expression and support for artists who tackle difficult social issues. Quiñonez, who is deeply passionate about shedding light on the challenges facing marginalized communities, believes that institutions like UNT have a responsibility to showcase important work that reflects the realities of our society.
As the Trump administration continues its aggressive stance on immigration and cultural repression, artists like Quiñonez are finding themselves at odds with institutions that may not fully support their message. The closure of Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of standing up for artistic freedom and amplifying voices that speak truth to power.
