Jefrë, his Art, and the Value of Changing the Urban Landscape
You may have already seen it towering along EDSA – a man, with a box for a head, staring at his watch, seemingly waiting for something, anything. This amazing sculpture is the work of award-winning Filipino-American artist, Jefre Manuel Figueras. Publicly known as Jefrë, his work is a striking example of how art could possibly change our urban landscape for the better.
The installation is called Time Sculpture. Simple, straightforward, but with a wealth of symbolism and meaning. It was officially unveiled last July 29, 2021 in front of SM Megamall, and is in full display in the Metro’s busiest thoroughfare.
It’s a collaboration with SM Supermalls, who have been increasingly investing in a variety of art concepts in its properties. We’re all familiar with the iconic Globe at the SM Mall of Asia. Cebuanos know the Cube at SM City Seaside Cebu. There’s Cubi by National Artist Arturo Luz at the Podium. Jefrë’s Time Sculpture joins this growing list of art that is slowly changing the Philippines’ urban landscape.
Larger-than-life Reflection of the Filipino Experience
Time Sculpture is a reminder of the value of the hours and minutes of our lives. Fitting, as it’s located along a road where millions of Filipinos have spent time in. It stands 12 meters tall, and is part of Jefrë’s groundbreaking collection called “Baks”.
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Baks is a collection of larger-than-life humanoids. They are shiny and shimmering, with light bouncing off of them. And they all have building blocks for heads. The series takes its name from the phonetic pronunciation of the English word box. It’s Jefrë’s metaphorical statement on what builds cities, what gives it life, character, and distinctive features. In addition, it also shows what makes people tick – time, love, faith, joy, vision.
Time Sculpture is also made of stainless steel, and polished to act like a mirror. Its form and cut is mesmerizing and definitely striking for patient onlookers.
A Reminder of the Value of Time
Jefrë was born and raised in Chicago. He was schooled at the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as the Ohio State University and Architectural Association in London. However, he proudly traces his roots to San Pedro, Laguna and Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur.
He has a rich background in urban design and landscape architecture, and Time Sculpture definitely reflects that. Previously, he worked as an urban planner and designer at the Chicago architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). After experiencing a heart attack and a triple bypass surgery in 2007, he started focusing on his art. He now turns heads in the international art scene, winning many commissions and competitions around the world.
He considers this installation as an opportunity to use his art, not just as decoration, but something more. A means to provide a “sense of place”, and to create emotion for both residents, visitors, and passers-by of certain places.
Jefrë’s Time Sculpture is a reminder of the value of time, and our preoccupation with it. It’s location along EDSA is a statement in and of itself.
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Disrupting the Urban Landscape
With the size of the installation, it’s obviously meant to be a permanent fixture at SM Megamall. It brings life to this busy strip, and represents the hustle and bustle of Mandaluyong and all the people in it. We’ll go so far as to say that it represents every single Filipino who was ever stuck in traffic, with places to go, yet stuck in place, waiting for and watching time fly by.
It’s a great example of what art can do to our public spaces. It disrupts the flow of the space, and evokes feelings from spectators. It shows that it’s possible to incorporate something purely decorative into a space, to encourage thought and wonder.
As you gaze at the installation, the figure is clear — it’s that of a man, looking at his watch. His posture suggests that he’s waiting for something, and is extremely engaged with the flow of time. Waiting patiently or impatiently, is up to the viewer.
