'Something Borrowed' explores appropriation in contemporary Australian art. This Collection display focuses on artists who have borrowed pre-existing images and use them within their own artworks. These recontextualised images are drawn from a wide variety of sources, with an emphasis on art history.

Spanning four decades of contemporary Australian art, the paintings in this display show how appropriation reshapes our understanding of the visual cultures around us.

‘Something Borrowed: Appropriation in Australian Art’ is on display until January 2026 on GOMA's Pavilion Walk. To make the most of your visit, check what's on at the Gallery, find out about getting here, parking and Gallery accessibility.

Feature image: Richard Bell's (Kamilaroi/Kooma/Jiman/Gurang Gurang people / Australia QLD b.1953) Bell's Theorem (Trikky Dikky and friends) 2005, installed for 'Something Borrowed', GOMA, July 2025 / Synthetic polymer paint on canvas / The James C. Sourris AM Collection. Gift of James C. Sourris through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2007. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / © Richard Bell / Photograph: J Ruckli, QAGOMA