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.”
Installation view of Franz Klainsek, “PRAY”, 2021 at El MUPO. Courtesy to El MUPO.
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.”
Installation view of Franz Klainsek, “PRAY”, 2021 at El MUPO. Courtesy to El MUPO.
Installation view of Franz Klainsek, “PRAY”, 2021 at El MUPO. Courtesy to El MUPO.
“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.
Franz Klainsek at El MUPO. Courtesy to El MUPO.
