Desmond Burdon

Desmond Burdon’s artistic journey began in a childhood spent moving through Syria, Ireland, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the UK. A camera gifted by his parents sparked a lifelong passion for capturing life’s moments — a passion that ultimately led him into the world of photography and, later, art.

After a successful three-decade career as an international advertising photographer in London, Desmond relocated to New Zealand. There, he rediscovered the joy of mixed media, embracing a more personal and expressive approach to art — a deliberate step away from the commercial world of photography.

"Horse Bags" 12/2025. Part of "Settling the Travellers" series.

Horse Bags explores the deep-rooted connection between the Traveller community and their nomadic heritage, symbolised through the figure of the horse. Horses have long been central to Traveller identity — representing freedom, movement, and tradition. In this work, the imagery of bags shaped like or evoking horses speaks to the tension between this cultural history and the realities of modern urban life.

The artwork reflects on the challenges faced by Travellers when resettled into static environments, such as high-rise apartments — spaces that can feel confining and disconnected from their traditional way of life. Rather than being associated with "housing," the horse remains a symbol of travel, resilience, and continuity across generations. Horse Bags becomes both a metaphor and a quiet protest—carrying the past while navigating an unfamiliar present.