U of North Texas Cancels Exhibit With Anti-ICE Art

The University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design removed an art exhibit that includes anti-ICE artwork, the artist told The Denton Record-Chronicle. 

The exhibit, Ni De Aquí Ni De Allá (“Not From Here, Not From There”), by Brooklyn-based artist Victor Quiñonez, was scheduled to open officially on Feb. 19. The works explore Quiñonez’s Mexican and Mexican American identity and his experiences as an undocumented person in East Dallas, The Dallas Observer reported. Several pieces in the exhibit, which was originally organized by Boston University, appear to criticize United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. One features a Popsicle cart with the message “I.C.E. SCREAM”; another shows a faux official seal with an eagle and a masked face that reads “U.S. Department of Stolen Land Security.” Below, it offers an alternative interpretation of the ICE acronym: “Inhumane and Cruelty Enforcement.”

“The agreement with Boston University for this exhibition was terminated, and UNT has informed Boston University and Mr. Quinonez,” a UNT spokesperson told the Record-Chronicle in an email. The spokesperson did not say why the exhibit was canceled. 

UNT officials told Quiñonez the exhibit was canceled via an email signed with only a first name.

“I am writing to let you know that the university has terminated the art loan agreement with Boston University Art Galleries for ‘Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá,’” said the email, which Quiñonez shared with the Record-Chronicle. “The university is making arrangements to return the exhibit to Boston University. Any activities associated with the exhibition are no longer necessary. However, please let us know if you have incurred travel expenses related to the exhibition for reimbursement.”