From the Ether is a body of work that delves into the psychic spaces occupied by black individuals to explore the intricacies of black consciousness. The essence of black consciousness is embodied in the ether, a metaphysical substance that originates from the mind and shapes its fabric. These images employ the interplay between light and darkness. By revealing and concealing aspects of the subjects’ being, Manuel forces the audience to confront the ambiguities and gaps in between what is visible and what is hidden.

These ephemeral scenes serve as an archive, capturing the transformative interactions between the camera and the subject. By doing so, it disrupts conventional notions of black consciousness as a monolithic construct, and instead, illuminates its dynamic and multifaceted nature. Through Manuel’s work, he affirms the diversity of black consciousness, offering an empowering alternative to reductive stereotypes.