Jefre Manuel Figueras, also known as JEFRË, has been commissioned by The Net Group, the largest green office developer in the Philippines, to create a permanent interactive sculpture at the foot of its new flagship project, Net Park. The exhibit will open to the public in the summer, 2016. Located in Manila, Net Park is a 38-story multi-level green office building in the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) financial district located across from Makati Stock Exchange. The building is designed by Miami based Chad Oppenheim, leading Filipino architects Andy Locsin and Anna Sy, and Architect-of-Record Leandro Poco.

The sculpture stands nine meters tall and is composed of numerous ribbon-like strips influenced by the the brise soleil façade pattern of the Net Park building whose aluminum ribbon design is characteristic to its innovative solar-based architecture. The strips are constructed of large rolled metal tubes that are placed together to create the shape of a monumental head. Entitled, “Selfie” the sculpture is the centerpiece of a triangular public park, also designed by JEFRË, and is integrated into the pinstripe horizontal pattern of the park that morphs into the three-dimensional head sculpture. Visitors will be able to upload their “selfie” photos onto a mobile application and watch their faces broadcasted onto the sculpture’s façade. This interactive feature was, according to the artist, inspired by the fact that Manila currently carries the title “Selfie Capital of the World,” according to Time Magazine. Manila was ranked first followed by Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles.

“BGC is becoming the center for finance, art and culture in the Philippines, JEFRE says. “Similar to Arturo Di Monica’s Wall Street Charging Bull, I wanted to create a memorable Icon for this district that reflects not only the importance of economics but highlights the individual and how we all need that “selfie” moment in a busy world of life and business.”

JEFRË is a noted public artist from Chicago. His public art practice originates from a deep understanding of the economic, social, environmental, and historical contextual relationships that influence the site and the architecture. He is acutely aware of the ways public artwork can enhance a site’s overall functionality by increasing economic activity. “It was important for me to create work that integrates itself into the visitor experience at Net Park,” he explains. “While they wait for their selfies to appear on the sculpture, people will be able to enjoy shopping and other amenities offered by the site”

About JEFRË

JEFRË studied at the Art Institute of Chicago prior to receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Ohio State University. JEFRË was named one of seven "Faces of Design for 2007" by Florida Inside Out architecture magazine for his environmental art and couture landscapes. As a designer and public art initiator, his design solutions originate from a deep understanding of the historical, environmental, social and contextual relationships influencing the site and the architecture. In 2008, JEFRË launched his own couture landscape and public art studio with a focus on environmental art, green roofs, boutique plazas and parks and public art master plans. He was selected by the prestigious Marlborough Gallery in New York City as an “Up and Coming International Public Artist” and chosen by the Lexus Corporation to be the sixth member of their ECO Hybrid Living National Design Team to design environmental conscious carbon neutral environments. JEFRË is passionate about sharing his public art initiative through his line of new interactive designs and upcoming public art projects.

About Net Park

Net Park is the flagship development project of The Net Group (TNG), the leading office developer in Bonifacio Global City and the largest green building developer in the Philippines. Aiming for a 5 Star BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) green building rating, the development features flexible floor plates, column-free corner offices, On-Demand Air Conditioning, renewable energy sourcing, rainwater and condensate water recycling systems, and high performance glass walls.