Sydney Night- Tayla

Ken Done, with his artwork ‘Sydney Night’ painted in 1984, has recreated the image of Sydney Harbour into an innovative and breathtaking masterpiece. The main elements of the artwork are the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, as well as skyscrapers and fireworks in the background and an assortment of boats floating along the harbour, with the lights of the city reflecting off of the surface. These elements are complimented with a detailed border running along the edges. ‘Sydney Night’ is a supplementary representation of what the City of Sydney resembles during times of celebration. With the combination of colour and texture Done has demonstrated, he was able to illustrate the happiness, excitement and buzz of the metropolis. Done has used oil crayon and ink in a wide variety of bright, eye-popping colours to contrast the black background, providing the painting with a more significant sense of hue. The artist has skilfully painted the lights of the city reflecting off of the surface of the water creating texture and a greater feeling of movement. ‘Sydney Night’ by artist Ken Done is an extremely important artwork, shown through numerous skills and techniques. His impressive attention to detail and ability to draw in an audience and make them feel the thrill of the artwork with the use of colour is undoubtedly something to be commended. 

T.Strong