From Goat Island to Rome, which has opened at Art Systems Wickham, was largely inspired by Bell’s 2011 European sojourn.

The Lambton artist spent three months in Paris at the Cite Internationale des Artes and also travelled to Rome and Berlin.

The exhibition includes 30 ‘‘bits and pieces’’ – drawings, prints, paintings and relief sculptures.

‘‘It is a little bit of a diary,’’ said Bell. ‘‘The trip had a massive impact on me. [I was] seeing the history of civilisation, really.’’

Images inspired by the Louvre Museum and Roman antiquities are juxtaposed with contemporary streetscapes.

There is even a ‘‘Mambo goat’’ in the show; Bell’s quirky image has been used by the surfwear label.

Work created in 2010 while Bell spent a week in China at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute is also included.

‘‘The show has a joyous, celebratory tone,’’ said gallery director Colin Lawson.

‘‘It’s a great slab of work and it engages on different levels. Michael had free rein when it came to putting the show together.’’

Maitland-born Bell is one of the Hunter’s most recognisable artists, with a career spanning 30 years.

Described by Sydney Morning Herald art critic John Macdonald as a ‘‘humorist and an urban folk artist’’, his work is included in several collections, including the National Gallery and Newcastle Art Gallery. He is represented by The Hughes Gallery, Sydney.

From Rome to Goat Island continues until June 2.