Call for Chapters

Surrealism Beyond Binaries



Edited by Dr David Hancock & Dr Angela Tait

Deadline for Abstracts: 29th January 2026

Notification of Decisions: 20th February 2026



Overview



To mark the centenary of André Breton’s Manifesto of Surrealism (1924), this edited volume examines how artists and scholars are reimagining Surrealism through contemporary understandings of gender. Surrealism Beyond Binaries reclaims the Surrealist realm of the Marvellous as a democratic, inclusive space, one that resists capitalist normativity and allows gender to be imagined beyond rigid binaries.



Where Surrealism’s historical canon was shaped by exclusionary structures, particularly those reinforced by Breton’s visions, contemporary practices are expanding its possibilities. This book explores how artists across diverse identities use Surrealist strategies today to interrogate gender, embodiment, and desire; to critique heteronormative structures; and to challenge the historical movement’s limitations.

We invite proposals from artists, academics, curators, and practice-based researchers whose work engages with Surrealism and gender in innovative ways.



Themes and Areas of Interest



We welcome submissions that explore (but are not limited to):



Surrealist strategies in contemporary explorations of gender, including queer, feminist, trans, and non-binary perspectives

Re-evaluations of historical Surrealists—especially artists sidelined due to gender, sexuality, race, or other marginalised identities

Contemporary practices using techniques such as automatism, performance, drag, collage, the uncanny, and speculative world-building

Intersectional approaches to Surrealism that incorporate race, class, disability, and sexuality or gender

The politics of the body in relation to the Marvellous, capitalism, and contemporary identity



We particularly encourage proposals that challenge disciplinary boundaries or bring forward gendered perspectives historically neglected within Surrealism.



About the Book



The volume will include:

A major introductory essay by Dr David Hancock, reappraising the Marvellous as an inclusive, anti-capitalist space

Ten newly commissioned chapters from international contributors

Contextual chapters by David Hancock and Angela Tait

A concluding essay by David Hancock and Angela Tait



The book is currently proposed to Bloomsbury Academic. Successful abstracts will form part of the final proposal.



Submission Guidelines



Please submit:

Abstract (300–400 words) outlining your proposed chapter

Short biography (100–150 words) including affiliation, if applicable



Submit proposals to:



Dr David Hancock – d.r.hancock@salford.ac.uk

Dr Angela Tait – a.d.tait@salford.ac.uk



Deadline for Abstract Submission: 29th January 2026

Full chapters (6,000–8,000 words)



Who Should Submit?



Artists working with Surrealist approaches

Scholars in art history, gender studies, visual culture or queer theory

Curators, independent researchers, and creative practitioners

Early-career researchers and postgraduate scholars are welcome







About the Editors



Dr David Hancock and Dr Angela Tait are artists, writers, and lecturers in Fine Art at the University of Salford. Their research and practice engage with Surrealism, gender, expanded ceramics, and contemporary figurative languages.





Queries: a.d.tait@salford.ac.uk