PrAY

We were programmed to pray to an outside source. But what about a prayer to ourselves? A prayer to our Being? To where we’ve been, where we are, where we are going - to our journey?

A prayer to respect and honor ourselves. The road we have traveled. The miles we have walked. The lessons we’ve earned. However light or dark, the truth is we are magnificent. And deserve to be pedestalled as a champion of champions.

With every nail, I honor myself. I honor all those brothers and sisters who walk with me. I honor spiritual healers and men of enlightenment -- such as Jesus. And I honor women of enlightenment- such as Mother Teresa. We are all worthy of honor. We are not to be penalized for past faults, but rewarded for our courage to move forward; with greater resolve, and a firmer step than yesterday. My mantra with each nail is: I will do better, I will be better and I will learn to accept and face my challenges with an open heart. I will remain connected with my fellow brothers and sisters with empathy and strength to live moment to moment as we continue to carve our individual evolution. All in all, our only duty is to evolve.

As individuals, I believe we must define prayer on our own, define faith on our own. Our journey to this point, with all its ups downs, struggles, hardships, and victories, the truest testament is that we are here in the now; that we have survived is enough reason to have faith. We are strong beyond words. Both consciously, and more often than not - subconsciously. Finding faith in the present moment is the most powerful weapon of all. An act of communication between what I perceive myself to be and what my deepest truth may reveal.

I place a nail in a prayer to intention, a prayer to live a romanticized life, committed to creating from the self-empowering, endlessly courageous, and evolutionary state of balance. Creating from moment to moment in an intention-driven life. A life broken into millions of prayers. This final nail - a prayer to my being and to my life.

PRAY

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Franz Klainsek Finds Faith in the Present Moment

Franz Klainsek’s solo show “PRAY” opens on August 7 at El MUPO in Oaxaca City, Mexico. The opening day is also the official reopening of the museum after its closure due to the pandemic.

The Cuban-American multidisciplinary artist creates large-scale sculptures and installations that often reference freedom from and the search for truth in today’s complex society. His art brings awareness to issues of suffering, offering the viewer a possible solution, in his words, to “Live in Truth. Rest In Freedom.”

The site-specific interactive work features sculptures, paintings, and performance. The immersive installation is made with over 100,000 individually painted gold nails. balancing on their heads to a glistening yet sinister effect as they cover much of the room’s floor. Klainsek described his process in a statement, saying “I place a nail in a prayer to intention, a prayer to live a romanticized life, committed to creating from the self-empowering, endlessly courageous, and evolutionary state of balance. Creating from moment to moment in an intention-driven life. A life broken into millions of prayers. This final nail–a prayer to my being and to my life.”

“PRAY” is the artist’s prayer to the world as he questions, “we were programmed to pray to an outside source. But what about a prayer to ourselves? A prayer to our Being? To where we’ve been, where we are, where we are going–to our journey? A prayer to respect and honor ourselves. The road we have traveled. The miles we have walked. The lessons we’ve earned. However light or dark, the truth is we are magnificent. And deserve to be pedestalled as a champion of champions.”

Klainsek’s practice is a byproduct of his continuous philosophical exploration. By working on a large scale, the artist creates physically and mentally demanding pieces with full body and mind dedication.

“We are strong beyond words. Both consciously, and more often than not–subconsciously.” Klainsek said “PRAY” shows his belief in finding faith in the present moment.