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Bell's Theorem (Trikky Dikky and friends) 2005

Artwork Bell's Theorem (Trikky Dikky and friends) this artwork made of Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, created in 2005-01-01
Accession No.
2007.099a-e
Date Created
2005
Gallery location
Not on public display
Department
Indigenous Australian Art
Dimensions A
Five panels: 240 x 96cm (each); 240 x 480cm (overall)
Media Category
Painting
Secondary Media Category
synthetic polymer paint
Medium
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
Place Created
Brisbane
Credit Line
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’s work confronts taboo issues at the interface between cultures in Australia. He constantly challenges stereotyped ideas of Aboriginal culture and art, as well as the forces that drive the production and market for Aboriginal art today. This painting asserts ‘Australian art: it’s an Aboriginal thing’. In the work, Bell – a master of provocation – lists many of Australia’s most respected artists, insisting that they gained their fame by appropriating the art of Indigenous Australians. His pointed statement also suggests that there is no one style that Aboriginal artists must adopt, and no single way they should work.

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© Richard Bell

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Stories featuring this object

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
DIDACTIC

Something Borrowed: Appropriation in Australian Art

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LABEL

Richard Bell: Bell's Theorem

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Exhibitions featuring this object

A view of Arthur Koo-ekka Pambegan Jr's Flying Fox Story Place 2002–03, installed at the entrance to 'My Country', GOMA, July 2013 / © Estate of the artist / Photograph: M Sherwood, QAGOMA

‘My Country’

Jun 2013 - Oct 2013

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

'Something Borrowed: Appropriation in Australian Art'

Jul 2025 - Jan 2026

Reproduction requests

Images of artworks on this website may be used for research, study and other related exceptions as defined by section 40 of the Copyright Act 1968 (as amended) without applying for specific permission. All other uses of the content of this site (where applicable).  Refer these requests to reproductions. For more information, see copyright and reproductions on the QAGOMA website.