‘Inscribing a Life’ brings artworks from across the QAGOMA Collection that register existence, histories, and time through the act of mark making. From the brute force recorded in paint on a canvas that expresses strength and vitality, to the time commitment captured in the repetition involved in making intricate forms, the desire to record and share expressions of life is championed in this exhibition.

Complementing the adjacent display of ‘Archie Moore: kith and kin’ both presentations share the themes of memorials and cosmic time. Alongside artworks expressing the intensity and wonder of existence are those that celebrate and solemnly honour lives that have come to an end. These artworks speak to the importance of acknowledging loss and how through observing death the public memorial reaffirms the social fabric for the living. The importance of thinking beyond human lifespan can be seen in expressions of the cosmos, 'Inscribing a Life' features artworks that grapple with the vast scale and the deep time of the universe.

‘Inscribing a Life’ is on display until October 2026 in Galleries 3.3 & 3.4 (Marica Sourris and James C. Sourris AM Galleries), GOMA. To make the most of your visit, check the exhibition dates, find out about getting here, parking and Gallery accessibility. As this is a rotating exhibition, not all works listed below will be on display simultaneously.

Feature image: Sriwhana Spong's Costume for a mourner (still) 2010 / Hard Drive (transferred from standard-definition video): 8:22 minutes, black and white, sound / Purchased 2011. John Darnell Bequest / © Sriwhana Spong