Owen Rees Selected for Prominent Banner Installation at UWTSD’s Dynevor Building

18 May 2026

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is proud to announce that the work of Owen Rees, an Illustration master’s student, has been selected for display on the large external banner at its Dynevor Building, celebrating both artistic excellence and the transformative power of education.

A man in a baseball hat and grey sweatshirt smiling and standing outside a glass-fronted building with a giant canvas at the top.

Originally from Mumbles and educated in Swansea, Owen brings a deeply personal and culturally resonant perspective to his work. His early years were shaped by the social and political climate of Thatcher-era Britain, the miners’ strikes, and the raw energy of punk rock - experiences that continue to inform his creative voice.

Owen first began his formal artistic journey in the late 1980s with a Foundation course in art. However, personal circumstances led him to step away from his studies. Decades later, driven by a longstanding ambition to return to education, he re-enrolled at UWTSD as a mature student, drawn by its flexibility and strong local connection.

Balancing study with other commitments, Owen completed his Foundation course part-time before progressing to an undergraduate degree in Illustration. His dedication and talent culminated in achieving a First-Class degree, a milestone that propelled him into postgraduate study and further artistic exploration.

Owen describes UWTSD as a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and growth. “The diversity of students, the sense of community, and the support from staff helped me quickly find my place,” he said. “It gave me the confidence to fully engage with my practice and develop my artistic identity.”

During his studies, he embraced opportunities beyond the studio, including leading illustration workshops for asylum seekers and contributing to the branding of undergraduate degree shows. These experiences not only enriched his creative practice but also reinforced his commitment to community engagement.

Owen’s academic journey was also marked by personal challenges, including a diagnosis of ADHD and dyslexia. With support from Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and university services, he developed new approaches to learning and creative work. “With the right support network, I was able to continue progressing both academically and artistically,” he said.

His selected work, The Moon and Us, reflects many of the themes central to his wider practice: memory, repetition, material process, and the relationship between people and culture. Combining Risograph printing, collage, and chine-collé techniques, the work explores the balance between spontaneity and control, process, and artefact a tension that has become central to Owen’s artistic language.

Owen plans to continue his work in Wales, expanding his research, and building connections within the wider creative community.