UNT Cancels Dallas Artist's Exhibit Without Explanation

Backlash erupts on campus after university removes Marka27's show exploring dual identity

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of North Texas is facing criticism from students, faculty, and the artist himself after abruptly canceling a planned exhibition by Dallas-based artist Victor Quiñonez, known professionally as Marka27. The show, titled "Ni de Aquí Ni de Allá" ("Neither from here nor there"), was scheduled to run through the spring semester but was taken down almost immediately after opening.

Why it matters

The exhibit explored themes of dual identity and the experience of growing up in the U.S. while staying connected to one's cultural heritage, which the artist says is an important issue for many students. The university's sudden decision to remove the exhibit without explanation has sparked concerns about academic freedom and transparency.

The details

Quiñonez said preparations for the February 3rd opening had been positive until communication from the university abruptly stopped. He first learned something was wrong when UNT students began messaging him on social media, and he later received a letter informing him the exhibit was canceled without any explanation. The exhibit included references to ICE, but Quiñonez emphasized that immigration enforcement was not the central theme, which was more focused on celebrating culture and bringing humanity to those being "villainized."

  • The exhibit was scheduled to run from February 3 to May 1, 2026.
  • The exhibit was taken down almost immediately after the February 3 opening.

The players

Victor Quiñonez

A Dallas-based artist known professionally as Marka27, who created the exhibit "Ni de Aquí Ni de Allá" that was canceled by UNT.

University of North Texas (UNT)

The university that abruptly canceled Marka27's exhibit without providing an explanation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The exhibition is absolutely not just focused on ICE. It's one element of the entire exhibition. It's more focused on dual identity. It's absolutely more focused on celebrating our culture, really bringing the humanity to the people that are being villainized right now.”

— Victor Quiñonez (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The university has not responded to multiple requests for comment, and students and faculty are calling for transparency about the decision to cancel the exhibit.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of academic freedom and the need for universities to be transparent when making decisions that impact artistic expression and the student experience. The cancellation of Marka27's exhibit, which explored themes of cultural identity and representation, has raised concerns about the university's commitment to fostering diverse perspectives on campus.