You are invited to the opening of ‘Parallel Lives’ an exhibition by Pauline McCoy and Desmond Burdon. Opening on Friday, 4 September, at 6pm.
Parallel Lives brings together the work of two artists who have shared a life for more than three decades while pursuing independent creative paths.
Pauline McCoy and Desmond Burdon met in London in 1989 and married in 2001. They later settled in Auckland, where they raised their two sons. Although now officially retired, neither has stepped away from making.
Pauline McCoy is an Auckland-based ceramic artist whose practice blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. Originally from Dunedin, she spent two decades in London, where she completed a BA in 3D Design, Furniture and Interior Design at the Royal College of Art, then worked as an interior designer before redirecting her creative focus to clay upon her return to New Zealand. Her earlier design career in London continues to influence her approach to ceramics, often giving her work an architectural precision. She teaches ceramics one morning a week at Auckland Studio Potters and regularly takes part in ceramic markets, Open Studio Waitakere, and national and local ceramic exhibitions.
Since setting up Pauline McCoy Ceramics in 2016, she has become known for refined, functional ware inspired by everyday domestic forms, muted tones, and occasional three-dimensional elements. Her practice emphasises simplicity, balance, and tactile engagement.
Desmond Burdon, born to Irish parents, grew up in several countries before becoming a highly successful international advertising photographer based in London. He now devotes his time to narrative-based mixed-media artworks. His new philosophy is “making images” not “taking images” these new images are a collage of painting, photography, graphics, textures and sometimes AI. The finished art work is usually a digital print. Desmond’s work is rooted in observation, composition and a political comment, images that communicate ideas and evoke emotion.
Their practices have developed alongside one another while continuing to express their individual interests, knowledge, and experience. This exhibition celebrates those parallel journeys. Each artist brings a distinct voice, yet together their work reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful making: exploring ideas through material, form, and image, and inviting viewers to look a little longer.
On Show 4 August to 20 September 2026. Everyone is welcome.