Two Decades, Boxing and Costa Rica, New Work

60SIX presents work by Steve Molnar for a fifth exhibition and second solo photography show. In “Two Decades” the artist exhibits photographs in an ongoing series started in 1998 documenting boxing, primarily in the Bay Area. He captured moments in amateur boxing in the East Oakland Boxing Association, a Police Activities League gym in Redwood City, Golden Gloves competitions in the Cow Palace, Junior Olympic events at various
locations, as well as at a gym in Bluefields, Nicaagua.

In a new series beginning in 2021, Molnar took his lens to Costa Rica on a farm established by Francisca Ramirez and other Nicaraguan campesino leaders as a place for Nicaraguans who were forced to leave their country to avoid arrest. Before this farm was established most of these recent arrivals were scattered throughout Costa Rica. This farm and others like it allow exiled Nicaraguans a place to live together as a community. The series is an extension of the artist’s work documenting individuals, protesters, and indigenous populations in seven trips to Nicaragua from 2014 to 2018. Some of the individuals he encountered previously are now in Costa Rica. These photos are from Molnar’s first trip to Costa Rica to re-establish connections and continue the work, capturing stories and lives through photos and interviews. The artist meticulously prints all his photographs himself in black and white, gelatin silver format. His work reflects a singular synthesis of intimacy and engagement with the cultures and subjects he photographs.