Born Jefre Manuel Figueras, JEFRË was a landscape architect and designer when had a sudden heart attack at the early age of 35 and had to undergo a triple bypass surgery. The experience caused him to switch his focus from landscape architecture and design to public art and giving back to the community. "I only choose projects that provide value to the surrounding community, and have meaning and purpose," he says. The physical sites of the artworks have a large role to play in the conceptual development, and moreover, the artist is careful to involve the surrounding community in various ways that benefit the area. “Eighty percent of my materials is locally sourced and I always enlist the help of the local community to build and install the works. I ensure that the funding received for the project goes back to the community in some way,” he explains. Artworks like The Beacon and Code Wall demonstrate this fact.

The designers took into account possible interactions between Code Wall and The Beacon as the Code Wall’s dichroic glass panels make it reflective in the sunlight and “even more dynamic” when shot through with light at night. 

The artist has earned award-winning recognition for his site-specific projects, success that is owed partly to his approach to ‘placemaking.’ “Because of my background in designing public spaces and architecture, I’ve never been interested in creating objects. I create places; it’s not about a single element, it’s about a collection of elements that make a place.”
 
The Chicago native has created public artworks in cities around the world including Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Abu Dhabi, London, and most recently Manila. Despite the health precautions and lifestyle changes post-heart attack, Jefre continues to create public art that resonates with people. Two recently installed works include Talking Heads, a permanent installation in Manila located in a large corporate building that explores the concept of the unknown customer service representative; and Contour Sculpture Series at an upscale shopping mall also located in Manila, which depict four culturally symbolic animals designed to mimic the architecture of the mall’s structure. Both works opened to the public in December 2015.
 
Follow JEFRË @jefre_miami to get live updates on his projects.