Jorge Manilla, a prominent Mexican jeweler and educator, has made his inaugural visit to Córdoba, Argentina, to oversee one of his study groups and lead a workshop on earth casting at Auroom. Additionally, he conducts a postgraduate course and delivers a lecture at the National University’s Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism, and Design. Recognized for his innovative approach and hands-on techniques, Manilla emphasizes the relationship between traditional jewelry practices and contemporary artistic expression.

Manilla has an extensive background in the field, having studied in Mexico and furthering his education in Belgium, where he honed his skills in jewelry and sculpture. As a faculty member at the National Academy of Arts in Oslo, Norway, he actively contributes to the academic discourse surrounding metalwork and artistic jewelry. His recent doctoral achievement from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp highlights his commitment to advancing the craft of jewelry making and its significance in both personal and cultural contexts across Latin America and Europe.

In his conversations following the workshops, Manilla explores the connections between jewelry, art, and education, positing that jewelry making is not merely a craft but a form of artistic rebellion against societal norms. His work transcends mere ornamentation, envisioning jewelry as a mode of expression that reflects the wearer's identity and heritage. This perspective invites participants and audiences to rethink the role of jewelry in contemporary society, reinforcing its status as a vehicle for personal and cultural storytelling.