The Philippine art scene in recent years has become an explosion of talent, self-expression, and inspiration. From the ArtFair and Art In the Park to the MaArte Fair and even the Komiket art fairs, Filipino artists have flourished through time and only seem to keep going up, slowly showing their own talents as emerging artists.
This June 12th at the historic Peninsula Manila, the MEGA Ball once again celebrates independence day by honoring Filipino talent and ingenuity in the fashion and art industries showcasing individuals who have left their marks in specific industries. May they be names known locally, or internationally, or are brand new in the scene, the MEGA Ball honors these game changers and achievers for their unique points of view that can potentially shape the future thoughts of new or soon-to-be artists.
For this year, the MEGA Ball trophy to be given to these artists was designed by renowned contemporary artist, Jefre Figueras-Manuel, or Jefrë as he’s more commonly known. Renowned for his awe-inspiring sculptures, this landscape architect turned contemporary artist has brought his artistry into the MEGA Ball in the form of the trophy dubbed “One Love”.
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One of his collections, the sculpture captures the image of two figures with their backs pressed against each other and showing different hand symbols for love. While one figure represents the classic concept, the other shows the trendy Korean finger heart. In this combination, Jefrë portrays the celebration of harmonious coexistence between Eastern and Western cultures. Architecture is also expressed through the boxheads that stand tall and proud to express a skyline of diverse emotions, creating a city of feelings. For Jefrë, these trophies embody the essence of Philippine ingenuity and creative brilliance and is a love letter to the Filipino’s unwavering commitment and passion that Filipino artists pour into their craft to help turn the Philippine art scene into a colorful masterpiece with diversity at its core.
Jefrë is an internationally acclaimed artist who has triumphed in numerous victories in sculpture competitions across the globe and has won titles like “Emerging Artist of the Year”, 2016 “Consultant of The Year” from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and “Up and Coming Public Artist” from the Marlborough Gallery in New York City. In the same year, he was also nominated for the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum Award in the Design Mind Category. In 2020, his proudest moment was when he was chosen by the American Art Museum to present his first solo exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art where his exhibit “Jefrë: Points of Connection” showcase innovative and interactive features.
