Biography

El Salvador, 1971— J. Oscar Molina is a distinguished painter and sculptor whose journey from the war-torn landscapes of El Salvador to the art world of Southampton, NY, is both compelling and inspirational. Best known for his Children of the World series, Molina’s work reflects his early life experiences and enduring resilience.

He grew up in the Gulf of Fonseca during El Salvador’s civil war, navigating a childhood shaped by violence and uncertainty. These formative experiences profoundly influenced the emotional depth and subject matter of his art.

In 1989, at age 16, Molina and his family fled to the United States, settling in Southampton. He began working in landscaping and masonry, eventually founding MOE Masonry, a successful stonework business that enabled him to pursue his passion for art full time by his early 30s.

His talent and dedication led to exhibitions at the National Museum of Anthropology in El Salvador, the Long Island Museum, Southampton Arts Center, LongHouse Reserve, and international venues in Mexico and Colombia.

Molina’s Children of the World series—a collection of sculptures and paintings—explores the experiences of displaced children, drawing from his own history of migration. These works, installed in both galleries and outdoor spaces, evoke powerful themes of survival, hope, and humanity.

In addition to his artistic work, Molina serves on the board of Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Foundation and contributes regularly to charitable causes.

His life and career are a testament to perseverance and creative expression, and his art continues to resonate with audiences around the world.