Marka27 Superimposes Pop Culture, Graffiti, and Political Critique in Urgent Portraits
Marka27 taps into his own experiences of living between cultures and the arbitrary nature of national borders. Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Marka27 Superimposes Pop Culture, Graffiti, and Political Critique in Urgent Portraits appeared first on Colossal .
Victor Quiñonez, the artist known as Marka27, creates dynamic portraits that blend pop culture, graffiti, and political commentary. Born in Mexico and raised in East Dallas, Quiñonez now resides in Brooklyn. His work, which incorporates elements from contemporary street art, Indigenous imagery, and Mexican mural traditions, often addresses the convergence of activism and pop culture.
Portraits such as "Luchando Por Mi Alma" feature a fusion of Louis Vuitton patterns, desert flora, Lucha Libre imagery, and a stereotypical low-wage character from Family Guy, all superimposed on a man's face wearing a wide-brimmed hat. This approach is part of Quiñonez's "neo Indigenous" style, which combines powerful cultural symbols with a critical examination of the social and political landscape.
In his solo exhibition "Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá" ("not from here, not from there"), Quiñonez presents portraits alongside sculptures and immersive installations. Initially displayed at Boston University in 2025, the exhibition then traveled to the University of North Texas in Denton before arriving in its current venue, the Institute of the Arts and Sciences in Santa Cruz, where it will open in October.
The show is particularly critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies, featuring his I.C.E. Scream series, which includes a pushcart for street vendors and sculptural paletas (frozen treats) with hidden handcuffs inside, symbolizing the harsh treatment of immigrants. Quiñonez's work emphasizes the experiences of those most affected by such policies, while also highlighting our shared humanity.
He explained to The Los Angeles Times that his art initially appears playful and nostalgic, but upon closer inspection, it reveals deeper, more concerning realities. Beyond his studio creations, Quiñonez has also painted murals in various U.S. cities, available on his website and Instagram.
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