Australia

Artist: Ken Done

* 1940 in Sydney, Australia

Ken Done left school at 14 to enter the National Art School in East Sydney. After 5 years study, he commenced a highly successful career as an art director and designer in New York, London and Sydney.

His 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.

Ken Don created a series of works for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies programs of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Exhibitions in: Sydney, Canberra, Tokyo, Yokohama, Seoul, Wellington (New Zealand), Paris, L.A., Manila (Philippines) etc.

Interpretation

One of the most memorable and iconic images of Australia is Sydney Harbour at night during a major celebration. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to produce images for Sydney during the 2000 Olympic Games, and also for the Rugby World Cup in 2003. For both of these events, and for the Australian Buddy Bears, I chose a variation on this particular image. The Opera House at night is always an inspiring building, whether you’re attending a performance or simply walking around the harbour and the wonderful arch of the famous Sydney harbour Bridge spans one of the most beautiful waterways in the world. Like the majority of Australians, I wanted the Buddy Bear to be bright, optimistic and welcoming.

I’ve had the privilege of being Australia’s Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF since 1988, and this project serves to remind people around the world of our shared experiences and I hope will continue to educate people of the needs of the worlds poorest children.

Sponsor: Hamburg Süd