Writings by/on David Hancock
David Hancock - A Room with a View of the Moon (2024)
by David Hancock & Angela Tait
ACADEMIC PAPER: The Omnipotence of Dream: Curating to Contextualise
This paper explores transhistorical curation as a methodological and conceptual framework through a case study of The Omnipotence of Dream, exhibited at the Salford Museum and Gallery (2024–2025). Focusing on British Surrealism, the exhibition paired six historic works from the museum's collection with newly commissioned contemporary responses engaging directly with the originals. Drawing on curatorial theory, feminist critique, and posthumanist discourse, the research examines how this strategy challenges historical hierarchies and reanimates heritage collections within contemporary cultural debates.
Kira Freije: Unspeak the Chorus, Modern Art Oxford. Photo: Rob Harris
by David Hancock
REVIEW Jun 2026 Unspeak the Chorus – Kira Freije at Modern Art Oxford
Modern Art Oxford presents a new body of work by the Turner Prize nominated artist, Kira Freije, co-commissioned by The Hepworth Wakefield. The exhibition, previously shown at The Hepworth, is Freije’s first major solo presentation in the UK. The exhibition comprises around twenty life size sculptural forms scattered across the Upper Gallery of Modern Art. David Hancock visited the exhibition and is moved by his encounter with Freije’s uncanny sculptural forms.
Louise Giovanelli ‘From Here to Here to Here’ @ Grundy Art Gallery
by David Hancock
REVIEW May 2026 Louise Giovanelli ‘From Here to Here to Here’ & Apollo Painting School in Blackpool
In the decade since Grundy Art Gallery Blackpool last presented a solo exhibition of the work of Louise Giovanelli, she has gone on to become one of the most celebrated painters of her generation. ‘From Here to Here’ to Here considers how Giovanelli has evolved artistically and professionally to become the artist that she is today. The exhibition also includes a selection of painters from Apollo Painting School that Giovanelli founded with Dr Ian Hartshorne and curator, Alice Amati. David Hancock visited the exhibition in Blackpool on the opening weekend.
Jayne Simpson LION installation shot (2026) Photo: Brendan McGregor.
by David Hancock
REVIEW Mar 2026 Jayne Simpson ‘LION’ at Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool
David Hancock, Director of the Fourdrinier, artist, lecturer, and curator, recently visited Jayne Simpson’s exhibition ‘LION’ at the Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool. Presented as part of the Turning Point programme of solo exhibitions, the gallery provides opportunities for artists living and working in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. Turning Point supports artists at a stage in their career where a solo exhibition can help take their practice to the next level.
Gwen Evans - Visitor (2025)
by David Hancock
INTERVIEW Dec 2025 Gwen Evans: The Space Between
In the run-up to her solo exhibition at Monti 8 Gallery in Rome, David Hancock visited Gwen Evans at her studio at Paradise Works, Salford to view the body of work that will form the entirety of her show. The five new paintings that Evans had been working on over the past six months were displayed around her small studio, while an accompanying series of framed drawings were propped against the wall. Encountering the work in this setting, alongside sketches in both oil and pencil, offers a valuable insight into Evans’ practice.
Albert Richards Stone Quarry at la Delivrande (1944)
by David Hancock
REVIEW Sept 2025 Albert Richards at The Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead
To coincide with the 80th anniversary of Albert Richards’ death, the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead is currently hosting a small retrospective of the Liverpool artist’s work, running until 20th December. FREE entry. Director of the Fourdrinier, artist, lecturer, and curator David Hancock reviewed the exhibition
Ann Fordham - Abstraction (1956)
by David Hancock
FEATURE July 2025 To Distant Lands - Remembering Ann Fordham
Director of the Fourdrinier, artist, lecturer, and curator, David Hancock remembers the work of the Isle of Man-based painter, Ann Fordham who recently passed away. Hancock included the only known work by Fordham in the exhibition, The Omnipotence of Dream that was presented at Salford Museum & Art Gallery.
The Omnipotence of Dream @ Salford Museum & Art Gallery
by Kirsty Jukes
REVIEW Nov 2024 ‘The Omnipotence of Dream’ at Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Art historian and writer Kirsty Jukes reviews ‘The Omnipotence of Dream’ at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. Created in response to the 100 year anniversary of André Breton’s writing the ‘Manifesto of Surrealism’, Surrealist works from the Salford Museum and Art Gallery collections are presented alongside commissioned responses. Rarely seen works by Marion Adnams, John Tunnard and others can be considered in fresh contexts alongside work from contemporary artists.
John Tunnard - Pas de Deux (1947)
by David Hancock
REVIEW Sep 2024 Object – Space – Time: John Tunnard and the English Modernists at Leeds Art Gallery
Director of the Fourdrinier, artist, lecturer, and curator, David Hancock provides a fascinating insight into the work of the British Surrealist artist, John Tunnard, from his exhibition ‘Object – Space – Time: John Tunnard and the English Modernists’ at Leeds Art Gallery until 23 March 2025. Hancock is currently developing work on six Surrealist artists from the collection at Salford Museum & Art Gallery for the exhibition, ‘The Omnipotence of Dream’ which will run from 19 October 2024 – 23 February 2025. One of the artists that Hancock will be focusing on is John Tunnard, whose work Pas de Deux (1946) will be included in the show. Hancock came across the exhibition at Leeds Art Gallery by chance.
Jeffrey Knopf - Couch II (2024
by David Hancock
REVIEW Aug 2024 40 Years of the Future: Where Should We Be Now? Castlefield Gallery, Manchester
Director of PAPER Gallery Manchester Ltd and the Fourdrinier, artist and lecturer David Hancock reviews ‘40 Years of the Future: Where Should We Be Now?’, presented at Castlefield Gallery, in partnership with the University of Salford Art Collection, on show until 6 October 2024, and gives a fascinating insight into the work of the three exhibiting artists: Jeffrey Knopf, Theo Simpson and Hope Strickland.
The Omnipotence of Dream @ Salford Museum & Art Gallery
by Mike Chavez-Dawson
In the wake of a dream, the surreal is evoked…
Manchester based artist-curator and previous Visual Arts Editor of FLUX Magazine – Mike Chavez-Dawson (Rogue Artists’ Studios stalwart) reflects on the work of Artist David Hancock and talks to him about his highly ambitious, multi-layered and collaborative exhibition The Omnipotence of Dreams at Salford Art Museum & Art Gallery which is on until 23rd February 2025.
David Hancock - Ophelia, Watercolour & Gouache on Paper, 2017
by Sarah Jaspan
David Hancock: Freedom by Proxy
The internet is many things. Vast, complicated and ever-evolving. Yet perhaps, on its most fundamental level, it is no more than a portrait. A detailed snapshot of the individuals, society and culture that built, contribute towards, and use it.