Ken Done
Artist Statement
Ken Done's first solo exhibition was held in Sydney in 1980. Since then, he has held over 50 one-man shows, including major exhibitions in Australia, Europe, Japan and the USA. His work has been described as the most original style to come out of Australia, and his paintings are in collections throughout the world. Over the past few years, Ken has devoted most of his time to painting. His works have been shown in the Archibald, Sulman, Wynne, Blake, and Dobell Prizes.
Major projects in a very diverse career include the painting of a BMW Art car, and the total decorative scheme for the Garden Restaurant at the Powerhouse Museum, in Sydney. In 1994, a major retrospective 'Ken Done: the art of design' was mounted by the Powerhouse. The artist's first European exhibition was held in Paris, in 1996 to great acclaim. In 2000 and 2001 collections of Ken Done's original work were successfully premiered in Los Angeles and San Francisco and two sell-out shows were held in London.
An original Ken Done work has featured on the cover of the weekly Japanese magazine Hanako for over ten years, and in recent times Ken has also become involved in the movement toward a new Australian flag. In 1999, Done was asked to create a series of works for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies programs of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Ken's paintings have become the creative source of a unique, and very successful Australian business - Done Art and Design. With numerous 'Done' stores in Australia, and representation in selected stockists throughout the world, Done Art and Design continues to develop and expand, promoting Australian art and design to a world-wide audience.
Although he has worked extensively for many charitable organisations, the welfare of underprivileged children has always been a special concern of Ken's. Father of the Year in 1989, Ken Done holds the honorary position of Australian Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.