It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of David Hansen, who died on Saturday, 13 January after a brief illness. From 2014 to 2022 David was Associate Professor at the Centre for Art History & Art Theory (CAHAT), the School of Art & Design at the Australian National University.

Having worked in the visual arts and museum sector for over 35 years, David brought to his research and lecturing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom. He had curated over 80 exhibitions, and his writings on history and art have been extensively published. Notably, his catalogue for his 2017 exhibition Dempsey’s People for the National Portrait Gallery, won the prestigious 2018 William M.B Berger Prize for British Art History.

David had a keen sense of humour, a sharp wit, and an absolute disdain for needless bureaucracy and convoluted administrative procedures. He was passionate about history, literature, knowledge, objects, things, art, artists, and contemporary ideas. Always dressed with sartorial flair, he embodied individualism.

David was a beloved colleague, lecturer, supervisor, mentor, and friend to many and will be terribly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his partner Heather B. Swann and his family.