Ideas worth spreading

What should humans take to space (and leave behind)?

1,640,652 views |

Jorge Mañes Rubio |

TED Fellows: Shape Your Future

• May 2021

One day, humans will explore space en masse and live scattered across the solar system on planets like Mars and beyond. Inspired by his time as artist-in-residence at the European Space Agency, TED Fellow Jorge Mañes Rubio wants to rethink what we need to bring on this grand journey -- and more importantly, what we should leave behind. Mañes Rubio takes us on an Earthbound journey through cultural practices and his own designs that blend science, art and ritual, encouraging a bold reimagining of what a future free of prejudice and exploitation could look like.

One day, humans will explore space en masse and live scattered across the solar system on planets like Mars and beyond. Inspired by his time as artist-in-residence at the European Space Agency, TED Fellow Jorge Mañes Rubio wants to rethink what we need to bring on this grand journey -- and more importantly, what we should leave behind. Mañes Rubio takes us on an Earthbound journey through cultural practices and his own designs that blend science, art and ritual, encouraging a bold reimagining of what a future free of prejudice and exploitation could look like.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Jorge Mañes Rubio

Jorge Mañes Rubio

See speaker profile

Jorge Mañes Rubio creates artworks that rethink humanity's relationship with the universe and all the beings that live in it -- whether human, nonhuman, material or spiritual.

Jorge Mañes Rubio | Explore

Peak of Eternal Light

Discover the meaning and stories behind all the works that the artist created as part of his imagined journey to the Moon.

Jorge Mañes Rubio | Explore

Made in his atelier in Amsterdam over several months of lockdown, these new works depict a world inhabited by a diversity of beings — whether human, nonhuman, material or spiritual. They speak to us about constant human renovation and the possibility of finding comfort in times of upheaval.

TED Fellows Blog | Karen Frances Eng, 2018 | Article

"In 21st-century Korea, shamanism is not only thriving -- but evolving"

Read more about the fascinating world of Korean shamanism and what this ancestral tradition represents for the vibrant urban landscape of Seoul.

Jorge Mañes Rubio | Explore

Read more about Mañes Rubio's experience at El Tajín, the City of Thunder, and his stay at the Centro de Artes Indígenas CAI, a unique arts center identified by UNESCO as one of the best practices for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

Candem Art Centre | Explore

"The Botanical Mind: Art, Mysticism and The Cosmic Tree"

The Botanical Mind Online investigates the significance of the plant kingdom to human life, consciousness and spirituality across cultures and through time.

Park Chan-kyong | Watch

Korea's most renowned shaman is profiled in this acclaimed historical biopic. Kim Keum-hwa became a shaman in her teenage years and became an iconic figure in Korea’s history.

Phaidon Editors, 2013 | Book

Universe: Exploring the Astronomical World

Explore the stars and planets and beyond through 300 fascinating images, including iconic works by renowned photographers, artists and astronomers alongside previously unpublished finds.

The New York Times Style Magazine, 2017 | Article

"Are Artists the New Interpreters of Scientific Innovation?"

Gisela Williams reflects on the impact that artists, through residency programs, are having in understanding new scientific knowledge.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.