Artist Statement
My work applies fibers, drawing and sculpture processes to both new and repurposed materials to explore how material waste can be a metaphor for social hierarchies of function, especially as it relates to the labor that produced them. This results in work that visually varies greatly, from image based tufted rugs to giant toilet paper rolls made out of two hundred-twenty old towels, to mylar sleeping bags or carved bathtubs. To work with these different materials I practice an array of processes–sewing, crocheting, tufting, paper casting, welding, metal working, woodworking, etc. I source many of my materials from the streets and thrift stores of Philadelphia, an intervention that allows me to participate more complexly in our communal waste stream. Throughout my work I employ a material study perspective, meaning that the concept of the work is interpreted through the research lens of material and process, including historical material value, production methods or cultural significance. Across these physical variations there is a core meaning that is generated from my interest in using secondhand items—these revisited recycled materials act as a metaphor for the body that is expendable within the labor market as well as a methodology for generating purpose beyond extractable labor. In acknowledging waste as both byproduct and conduit, I aim to reframe it as evidence of our interdependence within the social and physical systems we inhabit.
Bio
Maddie Jones Rodriguez is an artist living and working in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated with her MFA in fiber and material studies from Tyler School of Art & Architecture in the spring of 2025 and her BFA in painting from Texas State University in San Marcos Texas. Her current sculptural practice explores the creation of objects that subvert function and propose new avenues of connection. Rodriguez has worked across art and community as an educator and studio assistant while building her personal practice.
Maddie Jones Rodriguez
Philadelphia, PA
rodriguez.maddie@gmail.com
maddiejonesrodriguez.com
Education
2025 MFA, Tyler School of Art & Arch., Fiber and Material studies Philadelphia, PA
2021 BFA, Texas State University, Painting San Marcos, TX
Solo Exhibitions
2025 there’s a leak Practice Gallery Philadelphia, PA
Holes Temple Contemporary
2020 The Violet Hour, Texas State University (virtual) San Marcos, TX
Selected Group Exhibitions
2026 Future Continuous CFEVA Philadelphia, PA
2025 Do You Feel Real?, “Showtown”, Icebox Project Space
Streetview Studio 105, in conjunction with Sensus publication
On view at Radlab Atelier
To hear to view Icebox Project Space - Juried by Anthony Elms
2024 High in Fiber Abington Art Center Jenkintown, PA
The Sublime is Meow Big Ramp Philadelphia, PA
Fuzzy Forms Stella Elkins Gallery
Material Matters Green Hallway, Tyler School of Art & Architecture
2020 You Had to Be There Texas State University (virtual) San Marcos, TX
Professional Experience
2026 Rowan College at Burlington County, 3D foundations Adjunct Professor Mount Holly, NJ
Rowan College at Burlington County, Figure Drawing Adjunct Professor
2025 Curtis Custom Fab, Metal shop worker Philadelphia, PA
Grizzly Grizzly Gallery, Participating Collective Member
2024 Pepón Osorio, Studio Assistant
2022-2023 Mendez Middle School, Fine Arts Teacher Austin, TX
2021-2022 Totally Cool Totally Art/City of Austin, Sculpture Teacher
Gil Bruvel, Studio Assistant Wimberley, TX
2020-2021 ArtPace Residency, Intern & Paid Studio Assistant San Antonio, TX
Bibliography
2025 Sensus Volume 1:Streetview Publication by Diego Juarez & Macy West
Intersections MFA Catalog by Liam Maher
To hear to view Exhibition Catalog by Anthony Elms
Academic Leadership & Awards
2024-2025 Graduate Arts Collective, Leadership-Vice President Philadelphia, PA
Tyler Scholarship Full Tuition
Joseph Janczuk Scholarship
2023-2024Tyler Scholarship Half tuition
Public Speaking & Lectures
2025 Visiting Artist Lecture, Q&A, Portfolio Reviews, Raritan Valley Community Coll.
there’s a leak, Q&A with CFEVA programs director Lily Gilston
2024 Fiber and Material Studies MFA Artist Talk Series, Temple University
2023 Fiber and Material Studies MFA Artist Talk Series, Temple University