Until the age of he studied graphic design; but, then changed his mind and decided to be a writer but with objects instead of words.
Therein he became very interested in the paralleled evolution of humans and objects.
Manders's body of work consists mainly of installations, drawings, sculptures and short films.
Typical of his work is the arrangement of random objects, such as tables, chairs, light bulbs, blankets and dead animals.
He is best known for his rough-hewn clay sculptures.