Children of the World in Steel & Copper, 2024, imagined in an urban setting
Artist Statement
Politics, culture and identity – how they intersect and interact with one another is what intrigues me, this is what my art explores. I immigrated to the US from El Salvador yet, for me, a border is nothing more than a concept. So, I paint and sculpt as a way of building bridges across borders, borders that nations create and impose upon us. At the same time, my work opens space for viewers to tap into their own feelings about and interpretations of the work.
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.
— J. Oscar Molina
In Film…
"I had to walk in the desert... I could see the silhouettes of people in front of me, but I couldn't see their faces."
With these words, J. Oscar Molina introduces us to the heart of his "Children of the World." This collection, documented in the film "Children of a Dream," is a spiritual and physical procession born from his own journey to the United States.
The work is a memorial to the faceless, the unseen, and the brave. Each sculpture stands as a testament to the vitality and power of the human spirit, reaching skyward in a collective, resilient gesture of hope. It is an exploration of our shared humanity, mortality, and the indelible dream of a better world.
In Books…
“Children of the World” by J. Oscar Molina is a stunning fine art book celebrating migration, hope, and the shared human spirit. Drawing from his journey from El Salvador to the U.S., Molina’s haunting white sculptures and vivid paintings give voice to those often unseen, transforming struggle into strength and displacement into belonging. Each page invites reflection on identity, faith, and resilience, offering a deeply emotional and visually striking experience. Perfect for collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, Children of the World is a timeless testament to the power of art to connect, heal, and inspire across borders.
