This summer, The Church and The Flag Art Foundation in New York City are collaborating on an exhibition in both of their venues. Strike Fast, Dance Lightly: Artists on Boxing explores boxing as both theme and metaphor, evoking complex and multifaceted cultural meanings. Developed in tandem and curated independently, the two exhibitions feature over 100 works, including historical and contemporary pieces as well as newly commissioned work for the shows. 
 
At The Church, Strike Fast, Dance Lightly: Artists on Boxing is co-curated by Co-Founder Eric Fischl and Chief Curator Sara Cochran. The exhibition underscores boxing’s expansive place in human life and the varied ways it is perceived by a diverse array of artists. It is shorthand for the existential question “what is worth fighting for?” and themes of struggle, defiance, victory, martyrdom, and brutality. Contemporary work particularly questions its traditional symbolism of masculinity by challenging male domination of the sport, and brings up issues of race, poverty, and violence.