'Copying, reinterpreting, quoting and translating are all terms that have been used as alternative descriptions for the phenomenon known as "appropriation", the action of taking or using something without authority or legal right. This practice often involves borrowing, imitation or even theft, and is highly contested and criticized in the contemporary art world" (Gorman, C 2013, p. 215). Appropriation in the postmodern decade brings with it various aspects such as cultural exchange and identity research. From the number of contemporary artists used, the appropriation in their artworks covers a wide range of media. The appropriation of art sometimes provokes responses ranging from amazement and suspicion to 'praise and acceptance, depends on the viewers and the artist's performance. This essay therefore critically discusses two particular artists, Masami Teraoka and Yasumasa Morimura, who illustrate appropriation in their art with similar and dissimilar concepts on the visual arts, but the topic of appropriation has significant effects for the analysis of particular conceptualizations such as the search for identity and mastery of cultural and intellectual characteristics. A satirical cultural spectator, Masami Teraoka brings his creativity from a variety of techniques, times and genres. His works, sometimes hilarious, sometimes critical, provide narratives that explore controversial social and political issues. The clash between Asian and Western cultures as seen in 31 Flavors Invading Japan (Figure 1) and McDonald's Hamburgers Invading Japan (Figure 2) are only part of the issues addressed. Teraoka constantly blends culturally particular iconography with the current world community, appropriating any accepted recognition...... middle of paper ......ture. Morimura generated his creations that literally represent the wide range of photographs that can be seen in Western art history, 20th century media, and film. Morimura's work such as Self-Portrait-After Marilyn Monroe (Figure 3) deals with self-portraits created by applying appropriation and photography. He appropriates iconic scenes or images from history, art and the media, and then takes on the roles portrayed in numerous scenes. In his works he alternates acting female characters such as Marilyn Monroe (Figure 4). His unique photographs have received various reactions, from provocation and unfamiliarity to fascination. The obscurity of Morimura's gender role in his works, along with the engaging techniques of his appropriation art, make him a prominent postmodern artist in the diverse perspective of other critics.