The University of North Texas (UNT) has unexpectedly closed an exhibition by artist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez, highlighting immigrant experiences and federal agency misconduct. Titled Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá, which translates to “neither from here nor from there,” the exhibition debuted on February 3 and was meant to continue until May 1 at the College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) Galleries within the UNT Art Building. Originally organized by Kate Fowle for Boston University Art Galleries, the display included pieces from Quiñonez’s I.C.E. Scream series—life-sized ice pop sculptures symbolizing Latine immigrant culture and criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some artworks featured items like handcuffs encased in resin, alongside graffiti, paintings, and installations referencing the artist’s Indigenous heritage and street art influences.
Quiñonez learned of the exhibition’s abrupt cancellation through social media messages from students, who shared images of the gallery windows covered with brown paper, obscuring the interior. The exhibition details were also removed from the university’s website. On February 11, the artist received an email from CVAD Galleries director Stefanie Dlugosz-Acton, stating the art loan agreement with Boston University Art Galleries was terminated and arrangements were being made to return the exhibit. UNT has not provided a public explanation for the closure and did not respond to Hyperallergic’s request for comment, while curator Kate Fowle also refrained from commenting. Quiñonez, who was raised near Dallas, expressed disappointment over the cancellation, given his personal immigrant background and the current political climate under President Trump.
The show highlighted themes of dual identity, depicting cultural symbols like devotional candles and paleta carts representing street vendors. Since Trump’s second term, over half a million people have been deported, with a record number detained under concerning conditions. Quiñonez was not informed of the specific reasons for the closure but suspects censorship of anti-government expressions. He pointed out a broader trend of cultural repression, referencing Amy Sherald’s withdrawal of a Smithsonian exhibition and other similar incidents. UNT faculty have since circulated a letter demanding clarity from the administration regarding the exhibit’s cancellation and emphasizing the university’s stated commitment to diversity and artistic freedom.
Narong Tintamusik, a Drawing and Painting department adjunct teacher, noticed a sign claiming “Victor Quiñonez is being silenced” on the gallery window before it was removed. Tintamusik related the incident to past censorship experiences, such as a pro-Palestine exhibit partially dismantled following political complaints. He believes this serves as a lesson for art students about the importance and challenges of artistic expression. UNT, which describes itself as one of the most diverse universities in the nation, is urged to uphold its commitment to diversity and support for artists like Quiñonez.
Quiñonez asserts that institutions need to showcase significant work addressing national challenges and support artists in doing so. He states galleries and museums must have the courage to present such works, ensuring artists feel seen and supported.
