The Ken Done Gallery

A Contemporary Art Gallery in the Heart of The Rocks

Nestled at 1 Hickson Road in Sydney's historic Rocks precinct, The Ken Done Gallery represents one of Australia's most distinctive contemporary art spaces. This vibrant gallery and shop operates seven days a week from 10am to 5:30pm, welcoming visitors with free entry into a world of colour and creativity. The Rocks location positions the gallery perfectly for both Sydney locals and tourists exploring the city's iconic waterfront neighbourhood, making it an accessible cultural destination that combines world-class art with the charm of one of Sydney's most visited heritage precincts.

The gallery serves as both a working studio and exhibition space, embodying the spirit of contemporary Australian art practice. Its prominence at Hickson Road places it within easy reach of the Opera House, Circular Quay, and the scenic foreshore walks that define The Rocks experience. For anyone exploring Sydney's cultural offerings, The Ken Done Gallery offers an intimate, welcoming alternative to larger institutional venues—a space where visitors can engage directly with the artist's vision and acquire original artworks or limited edition prints.

Vibrant Landscapes and Seascapes: Colour-Rich Realism

Ken Done's artistic practice centres on contemporary realist painting, with a particular mastery of landscape, seascape, and coastal subjects that celebrate Australia's natural beauty. His works explore the interplay of light and colour across diverse environments—from the luminous reef ecosystems of the South Pacific to the dramatic Australian outback, and from Sydney's iconic beaches to tranquil island mornings. Each painting demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of colour theory and composition, creating immersive visual experiences that feel both immediate and layered. The gallery's collection showcases figurative and wildlife subjects alongside these landscapes, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the artist's engagement with the natural world.

Recent works on display illustrate the gallery's curatorial depth, featuring pieces such as 'Cadmium Tree Reef' (2023, oil and acrylic on linen) and 'Lion Fish' (2021, oil on linen), alongside earlier celebrated works like 'Butterfly Dreams' (2002, acrylic on canvas). This range demonstrates an artistic practice spanning decades, with consistent commitment to vibrant colour palettes and meticulous observation. The works are executed in quality media—from oils and acrylics on linen canvas to gouache and mixed media on paper—ensuring longevity and artistic integrity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Current Exhibition and Rotating Displays

The Ken Done Gallery maintains an active exhibition programme that invites visitors to discover fresh works regularly. The current exhibition features a rotating selection from the artist's extensive body of work, with pieces added to the gallery's stockroom selection throughout the year. Social media updates and the gallery's website provide insight into featured artworks, allowing both regular visitors and online audiences to stay informed about new acquisitions and thematic groupings. The gallery's approach encourages repeat visits, as each trip may reveal different pieces or new contexts for familiar works.

Beyond the physical gallery space in The Rocks, Ken Done's work extends into broader cultural initiatives—including recent collaborations with international fashion labels and contributions to major institutional collections. The Art Gallery of NSW acquired 'Sunday' (1982) in 2025, reinforcing the significance of Done's practice within Australia's art historical canon. Additionally, the artist has expanded into publishing with 'Poems from Home,' a new book that further articulates his vision, while collaborative projects with contemporary brands demonstrate the gallery's engagement with cross-disciplinary creative practice and contemporary culture.

Limited Edition Prints and Accessible Art for All

Beyond original paintings, The Ken Done Gallery offers an extensive range of limited edition prints that extend the artist's vision to a wider audience. These prints are produced on 100% cotton rag, acid-free, textured fine art paper—materials chosen for their archival quality and aesthetic richness. Each print is hand-signed and numbered by the artist, ensuring authenticity and collectability. The subjects span the reef, outback, Sydney landmarks, beaches, and more, allowing visitors to take home professionally produced artworks across a range of price points and scales. This commitment to both original and print-based work means the gallery serves diverse collectors and art lovers, from those seeking significant investment pieces to those looking for meaningful, quality art at accessible levels.

The gallery's integrated approach—combining original exhibition, limited edition prints, and a carefully curated shop—creates a comprehensive art experience. Visitors can view major works in their full scale and medium, then explore prints and other products in the adjacent shop space. The availability of online shopping with direct delivery adds another dimension of accessibility, allowing Australian and international audiences to acquire Ken Done's work without visiting The Rocks in person. This multi-channel approach reflects a modern understanding of contemporary art retail and appreciation.

Planning Your Visit: Accessibility and What to Expect

The Ken Done Gallery welcomes visitors seven days a week, from 10am to 5:30pm, with free entry to the gallery space itself. No booking is required, making spontaneous visits easy for those exploring The Rocks precinct. The location at 1 Hickson Road is straightforward to reach by public transport or car, and the surrounding neighbourhood offers abundant cafés, restaurants, and other attractions—making a gallery visit part of a broader cultural outing. The welcoming environment and expert staff are happy to discuss artworks, answer questions about technique and subjects, and provide guidance for collectors interested in acquiring pieces.

Whether you're an established collector of Australian contemporary art, a casual visitor to Sydney's cultural precincts, or someone discovering Ken Done's work for the first time, The Ken Done Gallery in The Rocks offers an enriching and accessible experience. The combination of vibrant seascapes, luminous landscapes, and distinctive colour-rich realism creates a distinctive aesthetic world—one that has resonated with Australian and international audiences for decades. The gallery remains a vital nexus of practice, exhibition, and community engagement within Sydney's thriving art scene.