Mobile Billboard Protests UNT Censorship of MARKA27 Exhibition
On Tuesday, April 7, a mobile billboard advocating against the censorship of artist Victor “MARKA27” Quiñonez was displayed at the University of North Texas. The billboard showcases Quiñonez’s artwork alongside the message “UNT ADMIN CENSORED MARKA27’S ART,” as part of a collaboration with the ACLU of Texas and the National Coalition Against Censorship. It will remain on campus until Friday, April 10, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This demonstration follows the cancellation of Quiñonez’s exhibition *Ni de Aqui, Ni de Allá* in February, which faced criticism for “anti-ICE messaging.” Quiñonez has stated that he does not identify as a political artist. UNT has yet to respond to a joint letter or issue an apology, despite protests including a student sit-in and letters from faculty.
Key facts
- A mobile protest billboard appeared at the University of North Texas on Tuesday, April 7.
- The billboard is a joint project of Victor “MARKA27” Quiñonez, the ACLU of Texas, and the National Coalition Against Censorship.
- It protests the February cancellation of Quiñonez’s exhibition *Ni de Aqui, Ni de Allá* at the UNT College of Visual Art & Design.
- Leaked transcripts suggest the cancellation was due to “anti-ICE messaging” and political scrutiny.
- The billboard will be on campus through Friday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- UNT President Harrison Keller has not publicly addressed the billboard; the university has not responded to a joint letter from the ACLU.
- Previous protests included student sit-ins, faculty open letters, and graduate students moving their thesis show off-campus.
- Quiñonez cites Mexican muralists and the Chicano Movimiento as influences, emphasizing art’s social impact.
Entities
Artists
- Victor “MARKA27” Quiñonez
- Diego Rivera
- David Alfaro Siqueiros
- José Clemente Orozco
Institutions
- University of North Texas
- UNT College of Visual Art & Design
- American Civil Liberties Union of Texas
- National Coalition Against Censorship
- UNT Board of Regents
- UNT Faculty Senate
- UNT Student Government Association
- Glasstire
Locations
- Dallas
- Texas
- United States
- Mexico