Ken Done: 1980 to now at Mosman Art Gallery
Mosman Art Gallery is proud to present Ken Done: 1980 to now from 7 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, a major new solo exhibition by one of Australia’s most beloved and recognisable artists, showing in and celebrating his home suburb of Mosman.
Bringing together more than 70 works from across more than four decades of practice, the exhibition explores Done’s vivid use of colour, his enduring connection to Sydney Harbour, the beaches and landscape of Mosman, and his distinctive contribution to Australian culture. Since his first solo exhibition in 1980, Done has held more than 100 solo shows in Australia and internationally, and his work has become synonymous with an optimistic, bold and unmistakably Australian visual language. Ken Done says, “Mosman has been part of my life and work for many years, and it is very special to show these paintings here, close to the harbour, beach and garden that continue to inspire me. This exhibition is a chance to look back across the years, but also to celebrate the pleasure and energy of painting now.”
Exhibition curator and Mosman Art Gallery Senior Curator Kelly McDonald says, “Ken Done holds a singular place in Australian art and design, and his relationship with Mosman gives this major exhibition particular meaning. We are proud to present a unique insight into his life as an artist, honouring the depth, generosity and continuing vitality of his practice, and to welcome audiences to experience these works in the community that has shaped so much of his creative life.”
This is the first exhibition for Done that solely focusses on his deep connection to Mosman, where he has lived for most of his life and still works in his studio overlooking Chinamans Beach, a boundless source of inspiration and pleasure. The diverse works on show reflect his love of colour, place, memory and the natural world.
Immersed in Done’s extraordinary creative imagination, audiences can trace the artist’s journey from an early self portrait to his vibrant current practice, including works that have rarely been seen before. Different and surprising aspects emerge, such as his poetry series and walks with Spotty the dog, offering an intimate look at his home and family life.
ABOUT KEN DONE
Since his first solo exhibition in 1980, Ken Done AM has become one of Australia’s most famous artists. His work has been described as the most original style to come out of Australia, and his paintings are in collections throughout the world.
Born in 1940 in Sydney, Ken left high school at 14 to study at art school before embarking on a highly successful advertising career in New York, London and Sydney. At 40, after painting for many years, he gave up advertising to focus full-time on his art practice.
He has held over 100 solo shows, including major exhibitions in Australia, Europe, Japan and the USA. His paintings were also the source of a unique and highly successful creative business that has promoted Australian art and design to a world-wide audience.
His diverse work has also included restaurant, theatre and magazine cover design, painting a BMW Artcar, creating works for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and dazzling fashion collaborations.
Concerned with the welfare of underprivileged children, Ken has worked for many charitable organisations including as a UNICEF Goodwill for over 30 years. He received the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Art, Design and Tourism in 1992.
Done has been a long-time supporter of Mosman Art Gallery, donating significant works to the collection and establishing the Mosman Youth Art Prize to platform young artists and encourage their creative careers.
KEN DONE: 1980 TO NOW
7 NOVEMBER 2026 – 31 JANUARY 2027
Full gallery exhibition, free entry
Exhibition Opening Night | Saturday 7 November | 11am-1pm
Mosman Art Gallery
1 Art Gallery Way, Mosman | 02 9978 4178| mosmanartgallery.org.au
