MOA SKY Artist Feature: Who’s JEFRË?

The newly unveiled MOA Sky at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) has redefined urban spaces by incorporating art, culture, and leisure into its rooftop transformation. One of its standout attractions is a spiritual sanctuary featuring a striking installation by JEFRË Figueras Manuel, a Filipino-American artist known for his large-scale public artworks.

But who exactly is JEFRË, and why is his work making waves globally?

Who is JEFRË?

JEFRË, born Jefrë Figueras Manuel, hails from Chicago, USA, to Filipino parents—his mother from Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur, and his father from San Pedro, Laguna. His exposure to design began early, with his father working in landscaping and his mother creating floral arrangements.

Although initially pursuing a medical career, JEFRË shifted his focus to the arts. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, later earning a degree in landscape architecture from Ohio State University and continuing his education in landscape urbanism at the Architectural Association in London.

READ: ON THE SELF: Know Yourself Through Art

His Journey to Public Art

JEFRË began his career working with the renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in the 1990s. However, after suffering a heart attack at the age of 35, he decided to pursue public art full-time, launching Studio JEFRË in 2008. His mission: to transform urban spaces with meaningful, community-centered designs.

Notable Works Around the World

JEFRË has left his artistic mark across multiple cities worldwide. Some of his most notable projects include:

JEFRË’s in MOA Sky

At MOA Sky, JEFRË’s installation is part of an ambitious redevelopment project that transforms MOA’s rooftop into a vibrant urban space, featuring plazas, promenades, an amphitheater, a FIFA-grade football pitch, and a pet park. His contribution—a spiritual sanctuary installation—adds a reflective and artistic dimension to the space, aligning with MOA Sky’s vision of integrating art, culture, and public interaction.

JEFRË is more than just an artist; he is a visionary reshaping how people experience public spaces. His work at MOA Sky is a testament to his ability to blend art, community, and cultural storytelling into urban landscapes. If you haven’t yet, take a trip to MOA Sky and witness his artistic vision firsthand!