Images Studio JEFRË and the Orlando Museum of Art
Editor’s note: What follows is a press release from the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
After a decade as a creator of iconic artworks worldwide, USA-based Filipino-American artist JEFRË turns eastward to his ancestors’ homeland, the Philippines, with Points of Origin, his very first solo museum show in the country. The homecoming exhibition is a celebration of the monumentality of the artist’s accomplishments, and a way of connecting his two facets, his two homes: that of his origins and the home of his American dream.
The exhibition oscillates between the personal and the universal. JEFRË has achieved the incredible feat of communicating seamlessly across various cultures via his art; relentlessly investigating what makes us universally human and what it means to be in between, from here and from there, once more connecting the dots, from point to point.
“For many years my work has been about connecting people to culture,” JEFRË says. “My debut solo exhibit at The M is an opportunity to share these connections and also discover my point of origin.”
Encompassing past works as well as his current practice, the exhibition takes as its point of departure pieces from his debut USA solo museum exhibition held in 2021, complemented by newer artworks created for the Metropolitan Museum of Manila show. These include
sculptures inspired by the energy and emotions evoked by the world’s great cities.
Selected pieces from the artist’s portfolio have been scaled down. His once-bound,
site-specific, monumental sculptures and installations may now be experienced within the walls of the museum. The exhibition’s curator, Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, considers this “a seminal moment in his art career. It is an exciting project and especially meaningful for JEFRË as it will be his first time exhibiting his work in a museum setting in his homeland. The significance of bringing his art across borders, to his place of origin, where his story ultimately began, is both humbling – like that of a child going home, but also a source of pride, and a moment of sheer joy and celebration.” •
Points of Origin is presented by the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in partnership with Philippine Airlines, with additional support from Megawide Corporation and Asian Tigers Philippines.
Capt. Stanley K. Ng, President and COO of Philippine Airlines, hails the creative collaboration between The M and the artist. “We laud JEFRË for his unique form of art which provides a sense of place, and which celebrates people as the building blocks of society. We laud The M for living up to its commitment to serve as a venue to showcase Filipino ingenuity and artistry. Philippine Airlines is a proud partner of this artistic endeavor that celebrates outstanding Filipino talent.”
Frederick Tan, COO of Megawide Construction Corporation notes that “Innovation and excellence are inherent in our DNA, as we are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology an solutions in construction. This exhibition showcases the realization of a dream that all Filipino builders work towards. We at Megawide hope to be inspired by JEFRË’s ability to construct world-class structures that embody Filipino excellence, culture, and heritage.” •
EXHIBITION DETAILS:
13 February 2023 – Invitational opening
15 February 2023 – JEFRË: Points of Origin opens to the public
18 February 2023 – M Conversations #2: JEFRË: Points of Origin artist talk
