Manuel Neri Jr.: Sculpting the Inner Landscape Manuel John Neri Jr., known simply as Manuel Neri, remains a compelling figure in American sculpture, particularly within the context of the Bay Area Figurative Movement. Born in Sanger, California, on April 12, 1930, to Mexican immigrant parents who had fled political unrest, Neri’s early life was deeply shaped by themes of displacement and identity—themes that would resonate powerfully throughout his decades-long artistic career. His childhood in Oakland provided a crucial foundation, exposing him to the burgeoning art scene and fostering an…