When two Texas institutions shut down Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez’s latest exhibition, the Mexican-born, Texas-raised artist took his work where it was welcome. “There’s a red thread throughout the whole exhibition that is defined by dual identity,” Quiñonez said. “The exhibition has moments of joy, it has moments of sadness, it has moments of struggle and resilience. OPINION FROM COMMUNITY VOICES Made in Santa Cruz: Why Art Matters“I’m incredibly proud of the students at the University of North Texas,” Quiñonez said. Despite months of back-and-forth with these two Texas galleries, Quiñonez never gave up hope that his work was necessary and important.