Born in Manchester in 1972, Dex Hannon is a British abstract expressionist and multimedia artist whose practice spans painting, digital art, film, sound, and photography. Hannon’s work is a study of transformation and reinvention, with each medium offering a new lens to explore the human experience. His philosophy—“What else could it be?”—serves as the guiding principle behind his multidisciplinary approach, constantly pushing boundaries and reimagining what art can become.
Music plays a pivotal role in Hannon’s creative process, akin to the practices of Mark Rothko and Gerhard Richter. For Hannon, music is more than an influence; it is a catalyst. Each composition evokes memories and emotions that are distilled into the rhythmic, dynamic brushstrokes that define his canvases. His paintings are often described as "pictorial symphonies," interwoven with intricate lines, bold textures, and striking colour palettes.
Beyond traditional media, Hannon has embraced the possibilities of digitalism, developing his Retro Futurism series. Hannon approaches every piece with an openness to evolution: a painting may become the blueprint for a digital reinterpretation, a single photograph might inspire an entire film, and a completed artwork often signals the beginning of a new creative journey. For Hannon, there is no definitive "end" to the artistic process—only opportunities for reinvention.
In 2020, Hannon was awarded the Best in Show prize in the inaugural Art Folio Annual Award. His work has been exhibited widely and exists in several private collections.
Currently based in Blyth, Northumberland, Hannon’s practice is deeply influenced by his surroundings and his belief in art as a connective force. Whether through his paintings, films, or collaborations, Hannon continues to explore the intersections of memory, emotion, and possibility, inviting audiences to see not only what is—but what could be.