Jorge Mañes Rubio’s practice explores how materials carry histories, beliefs, and relationships across time and cultures. Working primarily with glass beads, embroidery, and sculpture, he transforms familiar objects into ceremonial vessels that open up new ways of seeing and relating to the world, suggesting alternatives to established systems of power and representation.

Glass beads are central to his practice. Jorge’s ongoing research examines the role of beads in histories of migration, global trade, colonial power, and ritual, tracing how these seemingly modest objects have connected people, places, and ideas for centuries. He is particularly interested in understanding ornament beyond decoration—as a tool for critical inquiry. Beadwork becomes a language capable of creating micro-spaces for knowledge exchange, nourishment, and world-building, one bead at a time.

Jorge’s work draws inspiration from ancient ritual objects, craftsmanship, and contemporary popular culture. Rather than recreating these references, he brings them into conversation through labor-intensive processes combining beadwork, embroidery, glassblowing, and found materials. Basketballs, chairs, motorcycle parts, textiles, and other everyday objects connected to personal experiences become repositories for speculative mythologies, tactile intimacy, and talismanic presence.

Research and making are inseparable within his practice. Conversations with craftspeople, museum collections, historical artifacts, and living traditions continually shape the work, allowing each project to emerge through curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration. His most recent project at the Santa Fe Art Institute and the Institute of American Indian Arts reflects an ongoing commitment to engaging with communities in honest and respectful ways.

jorgemanesrubio.com