Jorge Manilla

Jorge Manilla is a Professor and Head of the Department of Metal and Art Jewellery at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts (KHiO). Born in Mexico into a family of traditional goldsmiths, he holds a Master’s in Jewellery and Silversmithing from St Lucas University College of Art and Design in Belgium. His artistic practice explores themes of human emotion, mortality, and cultural identity, using materials like leather, bones, and metals. A former boxer, his work often challenges viewers with provocative, emotionally charged pieces rooted in Aztec symbolism and Mexican heritage.

Education:

• Bachelor in Sculpture (Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Ghent, Belgium)
• Master in Jewellery and Silversmithing (St Lucas University College, Antwerp, Belgium)
• PhD candidate in 'Other Bodies' at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp

Research & Teaching: Combines artistic creation with pedagogy, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and student autonomy. He teaches globally, including at Alchimia School in Florence and San Diego State University. His philosophy prioritizes communication, mentorship, and the fusion of technical skill with conceptual depth.

Exhibitions & Projects: Featured in major international exhibitions like Schmuck Munich, MAD Museum (New York), and the European Triennial for Contemporary Jewellery. His work critiques societal norms and cultural memory through materiality and form.

Future Initiatives: Aims to strengthen KHiO’s Metal and Jewellery program, fostering visibility and conceptual rigor. Balances artistic practice with academic leadership while navigating life as a single father and resident artist in Ghent, Belgium.