Darren Vargas Captures the Soul of a Desert Boxing Gym in ‘Moretón’
A new photo book published by FRIENDS EDITIONS.
Summary
LA-based photographer Darren Vargas releases his new photo book, 'Moretón' with publisher FRIENDS EDITIONS
The book captures life at the Lee Espinoza Coachella Valley Boxing Club in a portrait of legacy, community, and resilience that goes beyond the sport
Priced at $60, the release is limited to an edition of 200
The space between a ring’s ropes contains a world. In his new book, Los Angeles-based photographer Darren Vargas captures life at the Lee Espinoza Coachella Valley Boxing Club, a community-led non-profit in Southern California. Moretón, ‘bruise’ in Spanish, chronicles not just sport but the legacy, resilience, and people who make a place a home.
Lee Espinoza, locally known as the “godfather of boxing,” founded the gym in the 1980s and, decades later, continues to operate it for the public free of charge. It’s a testament to Espinoza’s dedication to his community, as seen through the generations that have gone on to succeed both in and out of the ring.
“This place does not just hold meaning for me; it holds legacy. One of the immigrants is building something for themselves, for their community, and their families,” Vargas wrote. “To me, Coachella Valley is a representation of what it is to make it from nothing and still build everything around you.”
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
Courtesy Of The Artist And Friend Editions
The series was inspired by the death of the artist’s grandfather, Esmael, in 2020. Growing up, Vargas and his brothers spent their summers with their grandparents in the Coachella Valley, and, in many ways, he saw Esmael in Espinoza. With much left unsaid after his grandfather’s passing, the artist found solace in the sport — how it brings kids together from all over the desert to build one another up, reconciling and finding forgiveness with each other and themselves.
“[The project] is a response to struggle and hardship but finding ways to still give back. Lee has sacrificed to make something for the youth in Coachella Valley,” he continued. “A haven in a special place.”
Published by FRIEND EDITIONS, Moretón, limited to an edition of 200, is now available to purchase for $60 USD. A percentage of sales will benefit the Lee Espinoza Coachella Valley Boxing Club. Alongside the box, a companion exhibition is now on view at Authorized Dealer in Los Angeles until August 10.
Authorized Dealer
1741 Silver Lake Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90026
