By Susan Schwartz
At age 85, Ken Done is not done yet.
One of Australia’s most instantly recognisable and colourful artists, Done will hold a major new exhibition drawn mostly from his personal collection at the Home of the Arts (HOTA) on the Gold Coast.
The vibrant exhibition titled Ken Done: No Rules captures the spirit of his exuberant paintings from the 1980s to today.
The unmistakably Australian works depict the intimacy of his home and garden, through to the majestic grandeur of the country’s, beaches, and coastlines that have made Ken Done a household name.
He remains true to his personal philosophy – that an artist can and should create their own rules.
“There are no rules. And if there are rules, you may as well break them,” says Done.
“I am delighted to be having such a major exhibition in such a beautiful gallery.
“To have the chance to see works from over 40 years shown together is very special for me, and I hope it brings pleasure to a wide audience.”
The former advertising executive gave up his career to paint, holding his first solo art exhibition at age 40, and forging an incredibly successful commercial art career unlike any other artist Australia has seen.
An only child, he studied at Sydney’s National Art School, followed by his advertising career and then on to art again.
Since 1980, he has held more than 100 solo shows in Australia, Europe, Japan, and the USA.
He has been a finalist in the Archibald, Sulman, Wynne, Blake, Dobell and Mosman art prizes.
The exhibit includes a selection of Done’s iconic paintings used in an animation in a bid to offer a new and immersive way to experience his vibrant universe.
Visitors can also catch a selection of outfits from Australian fashion label Romance was Born, otherwise known as design duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales from their 2023 collaboration with Ken Done.
For tickets click here.
