Onespace is thrilled to announce that two significant works by Ham Darroch have recently been acquired by major Australian institutions: Repetition is the Editor (2026) has entered the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, while Pause for a Human (2025) has been acquired by QAGOMA.
Repetition is the Editor (2026)
Following its presentation at Onespace earlier this year, Repetition is the Editor (2026) is now part of the National Gallery of Australia’s collection.
Darroch’s large-scale abstract paintings explore colour, perception and his interest in “what it means to be human.” In Repetition is the Editor, a recurring sawtooth motif moves across the composition, dividing quadrants of bold colour and geometric forms. Precisely constructed, the work’s mathematical structure does not dictate a single way of seeing. Instead, relationships between colour, shape and repetition create multiple points of entry, encouraging the viewer to move through the painting in a non-linear way.
Darroch states, “I’m honoured to enter the collection of which I’ve drawn inspiration from for most of my life.”
Pause for a Human (2025)
The acquisition of Pause for a Human (2025) by QAGOMA marks the second work from Darroch’s recent exhibition to enter a major Australian institutional collection. We’re delighted to see this major painting join Ham’s other works in the QAGOMA collection, alongside his earlier acquisitions ‘Paris (triptych)’ (2020) and ‘Rue du Temple (diptych)’ (2018).
The painting draws the viewer into a shifting architectural space, with bands of colour and geometric forms advancing and receding across the surface. Its carefully calibrated composition creates a visual puzzle that continually redirects the eye, leaving room for ambiguity and inviting the viewer to move through the work rather than settle on a single reading.
The work reflects Darroch’s sustained interest in the human experience and in the capacity of visual language to communicate ideas beyond the purely formal. In describing his practice Ham states:
“Like many of my works, it often starts with thinking about what it means to be human – imbuing the works with considerations of empathy, simplicity and sameness. These qualities provide pathways to share concepts and visual metaphors through proportion, perception, inclusion, knowledge and philosophical beliefs.”
Darroch’s work is held in major collections across Australia, including Artbank, QAGOMA and Canberra Museum + Gallery, as well as internationally in collections in the UK, Brazil and Colombia. These recent acquisitions further establish Ham’s work within the broader history of Australian abstraction and contemporary painting, while reflecting the continuing development of his practice. Onespace warmly congratulates Ham Darroch on these significant acquisitions and thanks the National Gallery of Australia and QAGOMA for recognising and supporting his work.
Artist Bio Image: Courtesy of the artist and Onespace.
Ham Darroch, Repetition is the editor, 2026. Acrylic on cavas, 168 x 198cm. Photo: Andrew Sikorski. Courtesy of the artist and Onespace.
Ham Darroch, Pause for a Human, 2025. Acrylic on cavas, 204 x 185cm. Photo: Andrew Sikorski. Courtesy of the artist and Onespace.
