New Flag

New Flag

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Looking out to Lake Eyre, 1997, oil crayon and gouache on paper, 46 x 66 cm

November 1997

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"One day we will have a new flag. And I hope that day is sooner rather than later. A flag that symbolises what Australia has become since the beginning of time and a flag that can represent all people who were born in this wonderful country, or have chosen to make Australia their home."

Ken Done, 1997

<p>Flag flying high in Sydney</p>

Flag flying high in Sydney

“A flag that shows we are confident enough as a nation to have a unique symbol to represent us. A flag that pays respect to the great sacrifices of the past yet can represent the golden optimism of our future. A flag is not a ‘picture’ of a country. A flag is a symbol of national pride. Our flag should favour no particular group or race. Our flag should proudly stand for the maturity we have achieved. Every piece of research I’ve read suggests that if we are to have a new flag the majority of people would favour the Southern Cross. After all, the Southern Cross has been part our history, our folklore and our heritage. Therefore the design of a new flag should be concerned with only two things:

What is the most powerful and confident way to arrange the stars of the Southern Cross within the rectangle of the flag?

What colours should represent Australia?

<p>Flag in Sydney</p>

Flag in Sydney

The answer to question one is that you should position the stars in the most dynamic arrangement within the rectangle - north, south, east and west, and that the size of the stars must create the correct balance between their colour and the background. The answer to question two is that (I believe) the colours that represent Australia should be blue and gold. ‘Australian’ Blue - that kind of rich, deep endless blue of our glorious sky. And a golden yellow to symbolise the great wealth of the nation, the strength of the people and the bright future ahead. This flag, I feel, will perfectly represent the transition between the past and the future and will give us a symbol that will last forever. For as long as there is Australia we will always look up to the Southern Cross."

 

Ken Done, Sydney,

November 4th 1997

<p><em><strong>Australia Day 1</strong></em>, 1998, oil and acrylic on canvas, 120 x 120 cm</p>

Australia Day 1, 1998, oil and acrylic on canvas, 120 x 120 cm

<p><em><strong>Sydney new flag</strong></em>, 2018, oil on linen, 100 x 80 cm</p>

Sydney new flag, 2018, oil on linen, 100 x 80 cm

In 2018, Ken remains a passionate advocate for Australians to have a new symbol to unite underneath. He has continued throughout his career to develop flag designs that he hopes represent the diversity of Australian culture. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Australian Parliament House Ken has released new designs that reflect his dream for a re-imagined Australian flag, incorporating symbols that are uniquely Australian and inclusive.

<p>Designs for a new Australian flag 1-6, 2018</p>
<p>Artists proof</p>

Designs for a new Australian flag 1-6, 2018

Artists proof

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