NYC artist mocks Trump-era ICE with migrant tribute made from gold-painted street coolers

The Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants has sparked a wave of artistic resistance across the United States. In New York City, a striking installation by Mexican-American artist Victor Quinonez, known as "Marka27", pays tribute to the resilience and cultural contributions of immigrant communities. The piece, titled "Elevar La Cultura: a Tribute to Hustle, Heritage, and Survival", features a temple-like structure built from 200 gold-painted coolers—symbols of survival for many street vendors. Inside, the coolers contain spiritual items and textiles representing the diverse heritage of New York's immigrant population. This artwork is part of a larger exhibition at The Shed cultural centre, showcasing artists from various backgrounds who explore themes of globalisation, identity, and shared human experiences. Quinonez's personal history, including his father's deportation, informs his critique of current immigration policies that target non-criminals in schools, churches, and workplaces. The installation serves as a powerful statement on the ongoing struggles and cultural richness of immigrant communities in America. Al Jazeera's Kristen Saloomey reports from New York. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #NewYork #ImmigrationArt #AntiICE #MigrantHeritage #TrumpImmigrationPolice #NYCArtists #Marka27 #ElevarLaCultura #ImmigrantVoices #CulturalResistance #NewYorkExhibit #ArtAsActivism #ImmigrantStories #TheShedNYC #USImmigrationCrackdown