DIASPORA—Over the course of July we'll be publishing short profiles, essays and interviews on the theme of "Afrofutures." Together these stories will be a deep dive into the way African and diaspora thinkers, technologists and artists view a future for Africans in the world and outside of it. 

Take a look at our introduction to Afrofuturism here.

Throughout this month, we'll also highlight and celebrate young, leading talents who already put into practice what a future with black people look like through their work in our daily profile series, 'NextGen.'

In our eigth edition, meet artist and Philly native, Jeff Manning. 

Graphic artist Jeff Manning merges the intricacy of graphic design with the intimacy of portraiture and sensuality of neo soul music, creating images that conjure an elegant sphere of spirituality. However, what’s most striking about these images is the way they illustrate a visual, cinematic side of our imaginations and subconscious thoughts.

'Signals.' Jeff Manning. Photo courtesy of artist.

Manning's digital incarnations envision us as awakened angels, sensitive androids and intuitive astronauts, able to transport ourselves with the unfathomable power of our minds. Based in Philadelphia, his subjects drown in the ecstasy of their imaginations: elements float around their heads or protrude out of their skulls like crowns that project their mind’s wildest desires.

'Signals.' Jeff Manning. Photo courtesy of artist.

“The portraits give the viewers of my work an idea of the positive characteristics of a person,” Manning tells me via email. “I've always wanted the viewer to see themselves or picture themselves as the person in the artwork and know that there is no limit to what they can do—promoting self-awareness and empowerment.”

'Escape to Space.' Jeff Manning. Photo courtesy of artist.

A leading proponent of Afrofuturism is the ability to imagine or portray oneself as more than what we can realistically, or currently, express. That’s why daydreaming is such a safe haven: the imagination is a powerful vehicle that can transport us to any destination we choose, to any personality we aspire to be. The mind is a world all it’s own.

Have a look at more of our favorites from Jeff Manning below.

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