David Hancock

David Hancock is a Lecturer of Fine Art at the University of Salford, teaching on both BA and MA programmes. He is also the Director of PAPER gallery and the Fourdrinier, an online art magazine. With a BA in Fine Art from Manchester Metropolitan University (1996) and an MFA from Liverpool John Moores University (2010), he completed his PhD at the University of Salford in 2014. His academic journey was further enriched by a Graduate Teaching Assistantship during his PhD studies.

Hancock has established himself as a significant figure in contemporary British art, with numerous solo and group exhibitions across the UK, Europe, and internationally. His work appears in major public collections including The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, and Touchstones in Rochdale.

David's research focuses on Surrealism, particularly exploring themes of identity, gender, and subcultures through his painting practice. His work often features dolls as non-binary avatars that allow him to inhabit both artist and subject roles within his paintings. He creates an "uncanny space" that exists between the real and surreal, using watercolor on gesso panels to produce highly saturated, meticulously rendered works that create a sense of unreality. His paintings merge still life and imagination, creating self-contained subconscious worlds where un-gendered liminal spaces can be explored.

Hancock has developed a distinctive approach where he draws inspiration from historical artists, particularly British Surrealists like Marion Adnams, John Tunnard, and Eileen Agar. His recent works (2023-2025) demonstrate a series of homages to these artists, reinterpreting their styles through his contemporary lens. This body of work reveals his deep engagement with art historical narratives while maintaining a distinctly contemporary voice. His paintings often incorporate symbolic elements and references that create layered meanings, exploring liminal spaces where gender and identity become fluid concepts.

• 2015: A-N Artist Development Bursary
• 2010: Arts Council Development Grant
• 2007: British Council CtC Development Grant
• 2002: British Council for DDM Warehouse Residency
• 2002: Shortlisted for BOC Emerging Artist Award
• 2001: City Life's Visual Arts Exhibition of the Year
• 2001: Shortlisted for Fresh Artist Award
• 2001: Northwest Arts Board Individual Artists Award (twice)
• 2001: Commended in BP Portrait Award

As a dedicated educator, Hancock supervises PhD students in Fine Art related topics and has been actively involved in developing art education through initiatives like the Contemporary Art Academy. He co-founded PAPER gallery in Manchester (2012) and the Fourdrinier Magazine (2017), creating important platforms for emerging artists. Hancock also established Paint Club, a peer critique group for artists that meets bi-monthly in members' studios. His commitment to the arts community extends to his role as co-founder of Mirabel Studios and Art Group, supporting Manchester-based artists.

Hancock's studio practice is deeply connected to his academic work, with his research often informing his teaching and vice versa. He has recently completed academic papers on artists like Marion Adnams, demonstrating how his scholarly work intersects with his creative practice. His current projects include developing work on six Surrealist artists from the Salford Museum collection for the exhibition "The Omnipotence of Dream."