Art-lovers will have the chance to feast their eyes on the works of one of Australia’s best recognised artists with the opening of a new exhibition at Perc Tucker Regional gallery tonight.
Paintings You Probably Haven’t Seen: Selected Works 2000-2017 is a vibrant and playful exhibition by Ken Done AM. Have staged more than 50 solo exhibitions since his first in 1980, Ken Done is best known for his design work with his paintings of colourful Australian landscapes adorning stationery, clothing and homewares.
This is the first time Townsville will host a solo exhibition by Ken and he said this collection contained some of his favourite works that hadn’t been widely exhibited.
“These paintings were all done since the year 2000,” said Ken.
“They are sometimes works done on location or sometimes in the studio. And some are just what was in my imagination.”
Ken Done has been creating art that represents this country for more than 40 years … we are thrilled to be able to share some of his lesser-known works
Dr Jonathan McBurnie
Townsville City Galleries’ Creative Director Jonathan McBurnie said it was a pleasure to be able to showcase a series of works with such cultural significance.
“Ken Done has been creating art that represents this country for more than 40 years now, and we are thrilled to be able to share some of his lesser-known works with locals and visitors to town,” Jonathan said.
“A lot of the paintings feature the things that Done loves best, including the beach and the reef. There aren’t many people who live up here in the tropics who don’t have a deep love for both of these topics.”
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she hoped Ken Done’s exhibition would pave the way for more internationally recognised artists to exhibit in Townsville.
“Townsville is the arts hub of Northern Australia, and I am very happy to see an internationally-recognised artist like Ken Done exhibiting here at Perc Tucker,” Cr Hill said.
“As part of the new Arts Strategy 2020-2024, Council is hoping to attract more renowned artists like Ken Done to show their work here in Townsville.”
Paintings You Probably Haven’t Seen: Selected Works 2000-2017 will be exhibited at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery until 9 February 2020.
