LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton will host an installation of J. Oscar Molina’s “Children of the World” sculpture series, as well as a viewing of a companion documentary film and a family workshop from May 5 to 7.
The artist is a multi-faceted painter and sculptor who lives and works in Southampton. His “Children of the World” series consists of large- and small-scale sculptures as well as abstract paintings. The works in this series are inspired by and emanate from the artist’s vivid memories of his treacherous journey through the desert as a 16-year-old young man escaping the violence of then war-torn El Salvador in the hopes of finding safe haven in the United States.
“I offer my art as a social practice, as an invitation to a much-needed conversation amongst diverse cultures. I believe that this exchange is the key to the preservation and evolution of our traditions – and it is this exchange that enriches each one of us and, as a result, our communities as a whole,” said Molina.
On Friday, May 5, LongHouse will present the “Children of the World” companion film, a 15-minute documentary detailing Molina’s journey from Central America through the Arizona Desert, which left a lasting impression on him as an individual and continues to influence the artist’s body of work.
A 30-minute panel discussion with J. Oscar Molina will take place after the screening, followed by an audience question and answer session, and a reception concludes the evening. The event will take place at 6 PM in the Pavilion. Admission is $25.
On Sunday, May 7, the Family Workshop will take place from 2 to 3 PM. J. Oscar Molina and his family will offer the opportunity to connect and create in this hands-on workshop inspired by “Children of the World.” This event is intended for intergenerational groups of all ages, and is free with admission (children and LongHouse members free).