Maria Manuel, also known as Néné was born in Lisbon, Portugal, the last of seven children in a family of artists.
Graziela Albino, her mother has been recognized as a great ceramist who graduated in fine arts at the University of Lisbon in a time when few women in Portugal obtained higher education. While raising seven children, she managed to keep her creativity flowing through the constant making of many 
beautiful paintings, statuettes, busts, and other small pieces.
beautiful paintings, statuettes, busts, and other small pieces.Henrique Albino, Néné’s father was awell-known architect who projected and designed many inspiring buildings, and who in the latter years of his life, and inspired by his wife, started “playing” with clay, creating some unique pieces kept within the family.
Having gifted parents and following their teachings, Néné started experimenting with a variety of media. Soon it became obvious that her preference would fall upon the canvas and paints. She started painting during 
her teenager years, but it was upon the commencement of her architectural at the Architecture and Fine Arts colleges in the University of Lisbon that she took painting seriously. Néné started taking courses in painting and shared a few expositions with other painters.
her teenager years, but it was upon the commencement of her architectural at the Architecture and Fine Arts colleges in the University of Lisbon that she took painting seriously. Néné started taking courses in painting and shared a few expositions with other painters.Her talent took on yet another form when, from necessity, she started to design household items, that are praised by all who see them.
Although her work is not well known, she shows an artistic talent that goes beyond any one style, no single technique or medium can contain her boundless creativity.
