World's tallest: Here's everything you need to know about 'The Victor' and its Fil-Am designer, JEFRË
A new public art installation has entered the list of the tallest in the world—even taller than New York's Statue of Liberty.
Located on the boundary between Pasig and Quezon City in the Philippines, the artwork is called 'The Victor' and it features a huge metallic man pumping his fist in the air. It's almost 200 feet tall, designed to be a visual spectacle that would stop passersby in their tracks.
The artwork was designed by Chicago-based Filipino-American visual artist Jefre Manuel Figueras, or JEFRË. He is an award-winning public artist known for creating immersive, large-scale multimedia artworks and installations that transform urban landscapes.
JEFRË studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago prior to receiving a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Ohio State University. He also took graduate courses in landscape urbanism at the architecture association in London.
According to Tatler Asia, JEFRË was mostly influenced by his family to pursue a career in art. His uncle was an architect and visual artist, and his parents both have a knack for design.
“I got that taking joy in creating and making art from that side of my mother, while the pragmatic side from my father and the knack for construction,” he said.
You may have also passed by one of his notable works in the country. It's the 12-meter tall 'Time Sculpture' located within the SM Mega Mall Complex in EDSA. It depicts a man looking at his watch, which for JEFRË, is a reminder to people that time is valuable.
Features of 'The Victor'
'The Victor' is a new landmark that will rise in Bridgetowne, Robinson's Land's first-ever township with a bridge that connects Pasig and Quezon City.
As it stands 60 meters tall, or about 20-story high building, and weighs 330 tons or 660,000 lbs, it is taller than the Statue of Liberty at 47 meters without its pedestal and the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt at 20 meters.
The statue appears to be constructed out of solid steel, but in order to withstand powerful storms, its skin is perforated in order for the air and wind to pass through. At night, the statue will light up with an animated light show, creating a dazzling spectacle.
“It’s destined to be the star of countless social media posts, an icon that captures the beating heart of the city, very much like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe of Paris, Big Ben with London, and the Colosseum with Rome,” says Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, RLC’s senior vice president and general manager for Robinsons Destination Estates.
Representation and symbolism
The sculpture depicts a man with his arms extended and his fist raised that exudes confidence and strength. The statue, which is constructed of bronze and steel, serves as a symbol of inspiration and hope for everyone who sees it.
In an interview, JEFRË said that it symbolizes the success of Filipinos around the world.
“It’s really the global Filipino. It is to honor those hardworking Filipinos who are doing global accomplishments and still sort of honoring their Filipino pride,” he said.
