Talented artists in residency

O.W.N is a community engagement-based collective made up of eight skilled creatives that each cover a broad variety of artistic elements, ranging from poetry and sculpture to graffiti and printmaking.

These forms are then collectively brought together to push the boundaries of the white cube in the contemporary art world.

Their great ambition and forward thinking has helped them to secure a residency at The Wilson Gallery in Cheltenham.

Filled with workshops, exhibits and videos, the gallery has been transformed from a white walled space to a fully engaging and thriving working environment.

Running until July 14, it is definitely a summer must-see.

The project presents new ideas of what it can mean to creatively express through the power and shared goal of collaboration.

With an open-minded approach and commitment to working together, the project invigorates new ways of thinking and making.

It is a simple, fun and organic process where the group join together to discuss what occupying a space means to them.

A collective manifesto has thoughtfully been created that encapsulates all the group’s ideas.

For instance, what spaces are referred to? How can they be occupied? What is their importance? And what is ownership?

The group calls it “a chance to move away from the expected and traditional way that art is viewed and to make our own artwork much more accessible and visible in the public eye”.

O.W.N has previously participated in the Stroud Valley Arts Festival, where each collective member set about creating artworks with and around the community.

They cleverly invite questions surrounding their artwork, bringing forward new ideas about occupying without notice, using both physical and mental space.

They say: “Occupied space can be in the past, present or the future and refers to a space that can be ‘filled,’ ‘lived in,’ ‘a business’ or within ‘the mind.’”

To follow the ongoing progress of the entire collective, search Instagram using @occupywithoutnotice. With their original and modern thinking, this collective is one to watch.

O.W.N artists are Lori Whalley, Richard Kirkby, Ellie Bell, Taylor-jane Allen, Lauren Clark, Rob Mackie, Alan Snodden and Amy Hannett.

Contact O.W.N at Occupywithoutnotice@gmail.com.

The residency is at The Wilson until July 14.