Home in the World

Last Updated on February 10, 2024 by Home in the World

Barely a month after visiting the Jules Sher art exhibition (you can find the blog post here), I was back at Linton & Kay Galleries in Subiaco for the highly anticipated Ken Done exhibition, entitled The Joy of Colour.

For those not familiar, Ken Done is a hugely iconic Australian artist whose works have been around for decades. I feel like he was almost part of my childhood, as I grew up exposed to a lot of his work in the ’80s and ’90s, which were arguably his heyday. I vividly recall my parents having pictures, coasters and even T-shirts with his prints on them at the time!

Born in Sydney in 1940, a lot of Ken’s most famous works depict that city’s distinct landmarks, such as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, portraying the vibrant, sunny, leisurely lifestyle that people often associated Australia with – especially during that golden window between the America’s Cup of 1987 and the Sydney Olympics of 2000.

But that is just one dimension of Ken Done’s work. He also uses his trademark vividness to paint other subjects, including nature, landscapes and holiday scenes – themes that were on full display at this latest exhibition, where the majority of pieces were oil and/or acrylic on linen and canvas. It really was fascinating to see the evolution in Ken’s work from those earlier decades, yet still immediately be able to recognise his signature style. Interestingly, his first exhibition didn’t happen until he was 40 years of age, but he has since been featured in galleries all over the world, including Japan, the USA and across Europe. He also has his own gallery, the Ken Done Gallery, in The Rocks, Sydney.

Enjoy some of the vibrant, uplifting works by this iconic Australian artist below. I’m sure you’ll agree The Joy of Colour is an apt exhibition title indeed.

Ken Done’s The Joy of Colour exhibition runs from Saturday 4 March to Sunday 26 March 2023 at Linton & Kay Galleries, Subiaco. The gallery is open Monday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.