Vibrant Artistry and Bold Commentary: Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez Wins Frieze Impact Prize

Vibrant Artistry and Bold Commentary: Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez Wins Frieze Impact Prize

Redefining the Immigration Narrative

"I.C.E. SCREAM" features individually lit acrylic pieces that are laser-etched and engraved with a cleverly subverted version of the official ICE seal. Quiñonez has reimagined the acronym as "US Inhumane and Cruelty Enforcement," creating a bold visual statement about current immigration policies while celebrating the cultural richness and resilience of immigrant communities.

"It's a political statement that shows the beauty and the resilience of our culture, our community, the street vendors of Corona, Queens," explains Quiñonez. "It really just amplifies our humanity against what's happening right now, which is a lot of propaganda and negativity towards Black and Brown culture."

The Sweet Symbolism of Ice Cream

The installation draws inspiration from the ubiquitous ice cream vendors and paleta carts that have become cultural landmarks in immigrant neighborhoods across America. These colorful treats serve as the perfect metaphor for Quiñonez's approach: accessible, nostalgic, and universally beloved, yet carrying deeper significance when viewed in context.

By using popsicles and bright imagery, Quiñonez cleverly disarms viewers, creating an inviting entry point to engage with complex ideas about identity, belonging, and human dignity. The vibrant colors and familiar shapes evoke childhood memories while prompting reflection on more serious themes.

Neo-Indigenous Aesthetic

Quiñonez's distinctive artistic style, which he calls "Neo Indigenous," fuses contemporary street art with ancestral imagery. His work combines elements of graffiti, mixed media, and traditional Mexican artistic traditions, creating a visual language that bridges cultures and generations.

"I wanted to emphasize the beauty of immigrant culture, instead of its victimization," Quiñonez notes. "People are not illegal—they're indigenous. We just really need to find better solutions than relying on corrupt politicians and bad administrations."

From Brooklyn to Los Angeles

Though based in Brooklyn, Quiñonez's work resonates particularly strongly in Los Angeles, a city defined by its multicultural fabric and immigrant communities. His previous work as a resident artist at MASS MoCA included transforming an ice chest into an "ofrenda" (altar) dedicated to undocumented street vendors, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to community life.

"When you first come here, the only way you can really survive is by having these small, independent ways of making money," he explains. "That's one of the first symbols of independence—selling water, fruit, tamales in that cooler and making enough for your family, and hoping you can grow from that."

Impact Beyond the Gallery

As this year's Impact Prize winner, Quiñonez received a $25,000 grant and the opportunity to showcase his work at the prestigious Frieze Art Fair. But the true impact of his art extends far beyond the gallery walls.

"What I hope for this work being here is to really begin more conversations," says Quiñonez. "To show the beauty and the resilience of our culture, our people."

In a time when immigration remains one of the most divisive topics in American politics, Quiñonez's art serves as a reminder of the human stories behind the statistics. Through his bright, accessible imagery and thoughtful approach, he invites viewers to look beyond polarized debates and recognize our shared humanity.

The "I.C.E. SCREAM" installation stands as both a celebration of immigrant communities and a call for more compassionate and nuanced approaches to immigration policy. By choosing Quiñonez as this year's Impact Prize winner, Frieze Los Angeles recognizes the power of art to transform perspectives and inspire meaningful dialogue on urgent social issues.