From Reef Dreams to Private Paradise, the Gold Coast is awash with colour as HOTA, Home of the Arts has opened the major exhibition, Ken Done: No Rules.
The landmark exhibition celebrates one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved artists, spanning more than four decades of his practice and draws largely from Done’s personal collection. Featuring many previously unseen works, the unmissable exhibition showcases the artist’s bold, joyful, and unapologetically Australian paintings.
Curated in partnership with The Ken Done Gallery, Ken Done: No Rules offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore Done’s creative vision through five distinctive themes. From the discarded plastic spades he transforms into paint palettes in Painting in Spades, to the intimate depictions of his Mosman home and garden in Private Paradise Show.
His iconic beach paintings in Between the Flags capture the essence of Australian coastal life, while Paint Partnerships celebrates the collaborations that have shaped his career, from fashion houses and international brands to his lifelong creative partnership with his wife Judy.
Finally, in Reef Dreams, Done’s luminous underwater works remind us of both the beauty and fragility of the reef, reflecting his enduring passion for protecting the natural world. Together, these themes showcase the breadth of an artist whose work is as personal as it is universally uplifting.
Done’s long standing connection to the Gold Coast started in the late eighties where various Done stores were located, including his Art Gallery and Cafe on Orchid Avenue, with his artwork capturing the essence of the coastal lifestyle. At 85, Done continues to live by his personal philosophy: That an artist can – and should – create their own rules.
“I’m very excited about the new show at HOTA. It will be one of the biggest ever exhibitions of my work and will include lots of previously unseen works from my private collection, as well as some of the fantastic collaborations we’ve been involved in over the years,” said Ken Done.
“Ken Done’s contribution to the Australian visual arts ecology is significant, and we are delighted to present this major exhibition, now open at HOTA,” said Experience Gold Coast Head of Arts and Culture, Yarmila Alfonzetti.
“This exhibition offers a comprehensive insight into Done’s practice, from his bold use of colour to his influential collaborations. The HOTA Gallery once again provides audiences with a unique opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of Australian artistic legacy here on the Gold Coast.”
In addition to more than ninety paintings, visitors can experience a captivating animation of some of Done’s most recognisable paintings, as well as a dazzling selection of garments from Done Zone, the 2023 collaborative collection between Ken Done and Australian fashion label Romance Was Born.
Alongside the exhibition HOTA is announcing an exciting opportunity for all arts lovers to support the acquisition of two significant artworks from Ken Done’s personal collection.
The paintings will become part of the permanent HOTA Collection on the Gold Coast. Titled Between the flags II & III 1996 and Thinking about a Sunday dive 2024 – the works are featured in the HOTA exhibition and highlight Done’s ongoing interest in the waters surrounding Australia.
The acquired paintings will live in the HOTA Gallery, leaving an artistic legacy for the Gold Coast community and acknowledging those arts champions amongst us who have made a contribution to the expansion of this very special public collection.
Ken Done: No Rules
HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Exhibition continues to 15 February 2026
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.hota.com.au for details.
Images: Ken Done: No Rules at HOTA (supplied) | Ken Done in his studio – photo by Luisa Brimble | Ken Done, Thinking about a Sunday dive, 2024, oil and acrylic on linen – courtesy of Ken Done Gallery