The Time Sculpture depicts a man looking at his watch, a reminder to people that time is valuable. Even when stuck in traffic, people should learn how to respect the idea of time by using it productively.
Over the years, the SM Malls have become known for exciting art concepts like the Art Walk and Art Center in SM Megamall, as well as venues for prestigious cultural events. More recently, SM’s premier malls have become memorable spaces for public art like the iconic Globe at the SM Mall of Asia, the Cube at SM City Seaside Cebu, Cubi by National Artist Arturo Luz at the Podium, and the colorful Philippine animals at the Skypark at SM Aura Premier.
Now comes the time for the Time Sculpture, an awesome 12-meter tall work designed by Filipino-American public artist Jefre Manuel Figueras, simply known as JEFRË.
The giant sculpture is part of JEFRË’s Baks Series, the artist’s first signature works. The Baks Series was named after the phonetic pronunciation of the word “box” in American English. Its figures are archetypes representing people who give life and character to cities around the world.
The sculpture made with mirror stainless steel has points established across the figure’s body and is then connected by polyhedrons that create complex three-dimensional planes. The box-shaped head is also an iconic form within the artwork as it establishes the figure as symbolic expression. For JEFRË, people are the building blocks of the city and by converting the statue’s head to a block, the artist connects the figures to urban architecture.
With the opportunity to create a landmark along EDSA, SM Supermalls teamed up with JEFRË to make something of a presence, to have something on the pedestrian scale as people don’t really look at the building from the ground floor.
The permanent art sculpture at SM Megamall, like any other public art installation, aims to create an understanding of the history of the city and its people, as well as to establish forms that best represent the city.
JEFRË, an award-winning public artist based in Chicago, Illinois, is a proud Filipino with a family originating from San Pedro, Laguna, and Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur. JEFRË creates art and sculptures that help identify cities and places. For him, it’s an opportunity to use art more than decoration but also to provide a sense of place and opportunities to create emotion for visitors of the place.
JEFRË studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, The Ohio State University, and the Architectural Association in London. In 2012, he was named Emerging Artist of the Year and has won in various monumental sculpture competitions in Washington DC, New Orleans, San Antonio, London, Rome, and Miami.
Some of JEFRË’s works in the Philippines include “Talking Heads,” a permanent installation featuring six large sculptures in the lobby of SM Prime’s Five Ecom Center Building and larger-than-life sculptures of carabao, eagle, rooster, and tarsier at SM Aura Premier.
The launch of the Time Sculpture on July 29, 2021, is one of the many exciting art events at SM Megamall.