Cover JEFRË’s Pride month tribute “49 Angels”
JEFRË’s Pride month tribute “49 Angels”
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Filipino-American artist JEFRË has unveiled a moving tribute to the 49 lives lost during the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, in June 2016. Read on to learn more about this work
The horrifying mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orland, Florida, amassed 49 fatalities and 53 casualties. The tragic incident, which happened on June 12, 2016, is considered to be among the deadliest mass shootings in American history.
Filipino-American artist JEFRË describes it as a “heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide”. Eight years later, he unveiled 49 Angels, a work that commemorates the people who perished during the devastating night.
The sculpture symbolises every victim of the Pulse tragedy. The artist was able to incorporate the energy of a rainbow into the angel-like wings, forming a vibrant flame that radiates all the colours of the rainbow. This flame symbolises the diversity and beauty of the lives lost. The names of each victim are embedded within the flame, ensuring they are forever remembered and honoured.
In case you missed it: Jefrë debuts his artworks in Europe by participating in the recent Art Basel Week in Paris
Above NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 12: Members of the activist group Gays Against Guns hold pictures of the deceased during a silent vigil to mark seven years since the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting, one of the worst mass shootings in American history, on June 12, 2023 in New York City. The vigil began at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar and National Historic Landmark in Manhattan's West Village. On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old man, killed 49 people and wounded 53 more in a mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nig
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 12: Members of the activist group Gays Against Guns hold pictures of the deceased during a silent vigil to mark seven years since the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting, one of the worst mass shootings in American history, on June 12, 2023 in New York City. The vigil began at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar and National Historic Landmark in Manhattan's West Village. On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old man, killed 49 people and wounded 53 more in a mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nig
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“This [tragedy] happening on Pride Month made it even more devastating for everyone in the community,” said JEFRË. “49 Angels is my way of honouring those we lost because of the senseless violence that happened that night and reaffirming our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive world.”
Cheryl Grieb, the commission chair of Osceola County, where the tribute can be found, led the sculpture’s unveiling.
“Originally, we wanted to create a tribute mural but found an opportunity to engage with celebrated artist JEFRË. As many of you know, he has created some of the most iconic works in Central Florida and worldwide and has graciously volunteered his time to create an iconic work of art.”
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Above JEFRË's pride month tribute "49 Angels"
JEFRË's pride month tribute "49 Angels"
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She also revealed that JEFRË was initially engaged with the victims’ families and participated in a memorial panel in 2016. “We’re excited to have him as part of the team and to share the artwork.”
During the day, the colours of the rainbow will reflect across the park, representing the vibrant lives of the victims. At night, the tribute transforms as the angel wings turn into an eternal flame that beams light up to the sky, symbolizing their everlasting presence and guiding light.
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Above JEFRË's pride month tribute "49 Angels"
JEFRË's pride month tribute "49 Angels"
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Despite the tragedy in Orlando, the tribute will be in Osceola County at Brown Weiss Park on beautiful Lake Toho. Notably, the county is home to most of the victims’ grieving families.
49 Angels will be situated in the centre of a garden with wildflowers and arbour trees that symbolise the first responders and the survivors of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy.
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Who is JEFRË, the artist behind some of Metro Manila’s iconic modern landmarks?
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
