DENTON, Texas — An art exhibition exploring Latino identity and immigration was removed from public view just days after opening at the University of North Texas, prompting criticism from students and raising concerns about free expression on public university campuses.
The exhibition, “Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá — Neither from Here Nor from There,” features the work of Mexican-born, New York-based artist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez. The collection examines his experience growing up between two cultures after being born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and raised in East Dallas.
Among the featured works is Quiñonez’s “I.C.E. Scream” series, which transforms traditional Mexican paletas into brightly colored resin sculptures containing objects such as handcuffs, replica firearms and rosaries. The popsicle sticks bear a parody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement seal with the words “U.S. Inhumane and Cruelty Enforcement.”
The exhibition had previously been displayed at Boston University before arriving at UNT in February.
The University of North Texas has not publicly explained why the exhibition was removed.
Public records obtained by arts journalist Adam Schrader show university leaders discussed removing portions of the exhibit before deciding to take down the entire display. In one text message, then-Provost Michael McPherson wrote that removing the exhibition would make it “easier to manage any barking from our friends in Austin,” an apparent reference to state officials.
The closure comes as Texas public universities continue implementing restrictions following a 2023 state law eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs at publicly funded colleges and universities. Similar debates over DEI initiatives and campus expression have unfolded at universities across the country.
UNT student Jenny Yanez said the decision created anxiety among students and faculty within the university’s art program. She said many artists felt they were “walking on eggshells” and criticized what she described as a lack of transparency from the administration.
Following the exhibition’s removal, graduating art students canceled their traditional on-campus senior exhibition and instead displayed their work at independent venues in Denton and Dallas.
Quiñonez’s exhibition is scheduled to open next at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in September.
