JEFRË, the renowned contemporary artist, showcases his talent through the trophies for this year’s highly anticipated MEGA Ball event. Now, let’s discover more about this remarkable artist
More commonly known as JEFRË, Jefre Figueras-Manuel is a celebrated contemporary artist and former landscape architect who has made a name for himself in the art world. Renowned for his awe-inspiring sculptures, many of which adorn public spaces throughout Metro Manila, he has become a household name. JEFRË is all set to display his creative prowess again with the trophies for the highly anticipated MEGA Ball event this year. Before we delve into that, let’s take a moment to explore some fascinating facts about this extraordinary artist.
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Tracing the artistic path
JEFRË, the Chicago-born artist with strong ties to the Philippines, proudly displays his unyielding affection for the nation. With a rich cultural heritage stemming from his Ilocos Sur and Laguna roots, his love for the arts was ingrained from a young age.
He went on to hone his skills at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago, where he pursued his education and further developed his passion for the craft. However, he later decided to transfer to Ohio State University, where he completed a degree in urban design and landscape architecture.
During his journey, he made a transition into the field of city planning, where he collaborated with prestigious organizations such as Skidmore Owings and Merrill for a period of 10 years. Despite facing numerous challenges, JEFRË’s steadfast spirit has shone through, leading him to an impressive portfolio of accomplishments in some of the world’s most prominent cities, including Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Antonio, London, and Abu Dhabi.
Sculpting brilliance
JEFRË’s captivating sculptures have left an indelible mark in the Philippines. Among his notable creations is “Talking Heads,” a stunning collection of six large sculptures that grace the lobby of SM Prime’s Five Ecom Center Building. SM Aura Premier also boasts larger-than-life animal sculptures crafted by the talented artist himself. Among his impressive creations are carabaos, eagles, roosters, and tarsiers, all expertly sculpted by his skilled hands.
Another remarkable piece is the “Time Sculpture,” standing at an impressive 12 meters along EDSA. The artwork captures a powerful moment of a man glancing at his watch, serving as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of time. The exquisite piece is part of JEFRË’s celebrated Baks Series, a collection that pays homage to the dynamic personalities that infuse cities across the globe with vitality and charm. Its name, “Baks,” is derived from the phonetic sound of “box” in American English, lending a creative touch to the collection.
Adding to his already impressive collection of masterpieces, he is set to unveil a breathtaking lighting projection art installation at Robinsons Bridgetowne. Titled The Victor, the 60-meter sculpture is set to become the tallest multimedia masterpiece in the country. This highly anticipated event is sure to captivate audiences and solidify JEFRË’s position as a leading figure in the art scene
Awarded hands of art
At the age of 35, JEFRË’s life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a heart attack. This life-altering event prompted him to make significant lifestyle changes. With a burning desire to express himself through art, he took the bold step of opening his own practice and began to actively participate in various competitions. In just half a decade, he gained various recognitions for his artwork, including the renowned pieces “The Beacon” and “The Code Wall,” both of which are proudly showcased in Lake Nona Medical City, located in the state of Florida. His creative projects are not limited to specific themes or materials. Instead, they are fueled by the rich culture and unique identity of the local communities he collaborates with.
JEFRË’s sculptural prowess has earned him international acclaim with numerous victories in sculpture competitions across the globe. In 2012, he received the prestigious title of “Emerging Artist of the Year” in recognition of his captivating and contemplative artwork. The year 2016 was a remarkable one for him, too, as he received two prestigious accolades. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) bestowed upon him the title of “Consultant of the Year,” while the Marlborough Gallery in New York City recognized him as an “Up and Coming International Public Artist.” In 2016, JEFRË received a nomination for the prestigious Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum Award in the Design Mind Category. With his exceptional talent, it’s not surprising to envision a colorful life for him, adorned with beautifully sculpted trophies, medals, and numerous accolades.
When asked about achievements, the artist also shared that one of his proudest moments was when he was chosen by the American Art Museum to present his first solo exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art. From October 3, 2020 to January 3, 2021, the “JEFRË: Points of Connection” exhibit fascinated visitors with its innovative and interactive features. Amidst the obstacles brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it stood as a trailblazing museum exhibit during that period.
His MEGA Ball Trophies
“Tremendously, I think we are all art in motion. I think everyone is a sculpture in motion.”
When asked to create the trophies for this year’s MEGA Ball, the artist immediately thought of a masterpiece he had named “One Love.” This artwork captures an image of two figures with their backs pressed against each other, showing a different hand symbol for love. One hand represents the classic concept, while the other shows the trendy Korean finger heart. The artist explained that this combination is a celebration of the harmonious coexistence of Eastern and Western cultures.
He also incorporated the concept of architecture into the design by employing box heads. The structures stand tall and proud, each bearing a name that evokes a distinct emotion. The idea behind this is that when you look at all these buildings together, they form a skyline of diverse emotions, creating a city of feelings. In the artist’s eyes, these trophies embody the very essence of the collective imagination and ingenuity that make Philippine art truly exceptional.
The selection of the “One Love” artwork as the trophy is JEFRË’s love letter to the unwavering commitment and passion that Filipino artists pour into their craft, making the Philippine art scene a dynamic masterpiece.
Photos: JEFRË (via Instagram)
