Texas university cancels Brooklyn artist’s show featuring ICE-themed work

The University of North Texas has cancelled Brooklyn artist Victor Quiñonez’s exhibition, which had included artwork critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Quiñonez, also known as Marka27, was scheduled to open a show of his work titled “Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá” in the gallery of the College of Visual Arts and Design on February 19, the Denton Record-Chronicle reported. UNT is a public university in Denton, about 40 miles north of Dallas.

The local newspaper reported that it had received an anonymous tip that the exhibition had been cancelled, which was confirmed by a university spokeswoman.

"The agreement with Boston University for this exhibition was terminated, and UNT has informed Boston University and Mr. Quiñonez," the spokeswoman said in an email to the Denton Record-Chronicle. A reason for the cancellation was not provided.

Urgent Matter has reached out to Quiñonez and UNT for more information and has filed a public information request with the university.

Quiñonez provided the newspaper with an email he received from the university advising him that the loan agreement with Boston University Art Galleries for the show had been terminated.

"The university is making arrangements to return the exhibit to Boston University. Any activities associated with the exhibition are no longer necessary,” the email said. “However, please let us know if you have incurred travel expenses related to the exhibition for reimbursement."

The exhibit features paintings, immersive installations, sculptural works and a curated soundscape that explore Mexican American identity, according to his website.

“At the center of Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá is a deep exploration of identity shaped by immigration, incarceration and resilience,” Quiñonez said on his website.

Among the artworks is an installation depicting a paleta cart, a three-wheeled vending cart designed for selling popsicles and ice cream. The side of the cart bears the text “I.C.E. Scream.” And, Quiñonez has created giant sculptures of melting popsicles into which he has embedded handcuffs and firearms.

In recent months, federal immigration enforcement has drawn intense scrutiny after aggressive operations in cities nationwide.

Last month, operations in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents during enforcement actions and protests, sparking widespread protests, legal inquiries and political backlash.

Last year, UNT officials removed at least one artwork from a campus show after two student artists, both Muslim women, created pieces responding to Israel’s war in Gaza, the newspaper reported. That decision came after pressure from Republican state lawmakers and some Jewish students.

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