Born in Puerto Rico in 1921 to a family of humble means, Manuel Hernandez Acevedo completed his education up until the fourth grade. He later joined the joined the Workshop for Graphic Arts of the Community Education Division for the Department of Public Instruction, where he explored silkscreen printing under the direction of Irene Delano.

His humility was visible through his works, which have been noted for their simplicity and variety of light and color. He frequently worked with scenes of houses and streets of Old San Juan that include small details such as overhead power wires, kites, and fence posts. He died in his hometown in 1988.

His work has been featured in many galleries in Puerto Rico and New York, including a posthumous exhibit held at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.