New book by the acclaimed artist and author Remi Rough explores the legacy of a renegade UK graffiti artist collective Ikonoklast Movement
In 1989 six young British graffiti artists – Rough, Part2, Stormboy, System, Tee Roc and Solo1 – joined a groundbreaking new collective by Juice 126, to form “a graffiti crew but not a graffiti crew”. Guided by Juice’s manifesto ‘rebel against the rebellion’ to gain collective artistic freedom, the group sought to break free from the traditional constraints of graffiti, and forge a new path as a ‘post-graffiti supergroup’ that were free to explore their own artistic dreams and ambitions.
A Visual History of the Ikonoklast Movement
By Remi Rough
Future Language of the Ikonoklast by Remi Rough is a richly illustrated account of a group of young artists coming together to create a new world without realising it, armed with spray paint and a desire to go beyond the self-imposed ‘rules’ of the graffiti world and the media’s negative dismissal of it. This is the definitive chronicle of the group’s most groundbreaking works, with a focus on their prolific output during the 1990s.
In a time predating the digital age, much of their legacy went undocumented but now, for the first time, this comprehensive volume celebrates their transformative contributions and ensures their story is no longer overlooked. Future Language of Ikonoklast shows the influential contribution of these British artists on the contemporary world of Graffiti internationally.
Inspired by Style Wars, Subway Art and Spray Can Art, these young artists wanted to go beyond the ‘rules’ of the “NYC Graffiti Motherland”, and explore their own artistic aspirations within the UK. by a desire to find their own artistic styles and expression, meant venturing beyond the NYC conventions. To do this they instinctively knew the power of creating a supportive rather than competitive network, that fostered individuality and essentially led to the expansion of styles and techniques, through collaborations and solo work. Future Language of Ikonoklast shows the influential contribution that these early cultural efforts had on the contemporary world of Graffiti internationally.
Courtesy of Velocity Press
Remi Rough says: “We have made a book with the help of some wonderful and talented people… it’s a 272 page tome of artworks and photographs from a pre-digital era sharing the history of the Ikonoklast Movement; a graffiti art collective started by Juice 126 in 1989, and the incredible visionaries he managed to get on board to share the ideals of his manifesto. I was very fortunate to have been a part of this story and this book is a reflection of all that work, energy and history of a little known art movement that has helped shape modern street art in more ways than you know.”
A Visual History of the Ikonoklast Movement
By Remi Rough
Courtesy of Velocity Press
In the following years, these artists would come together at their “spiritual painting home”, the Blueprint Gallery in Birmingham, run by Juice 126 and incidentally Europe’s first outdoor painting space. Part of their Avant Garde manifesto ‘legal is best’ – a sentiment not shared by all graffiti artists – gave them the freedom to share creative ideas and subject matters, make mistakes without judgement, collaborate, work, AND organise outdoor painting events and festivals all over the UK, which could host international graffiti artists and foster yet more sharing of ideas techniques and styles Throughout their existence, Ikonoklast Movement have also presented themselves as a pioneering force in the development of techniques, including the ‘splash’ or ‘drip’, perfected by Juice.
Publisher, Colin Steven, says: “As a publisher rooted in electronic music and club culture, branching into graffiti art feels like a natural evolution—both are powerful, grassroots forms of urban expression that speak to the same creative energy and community.”
FUTURE LANGUAGE OF THE IKONOKLAST: A Visual History of Ikonoklast Movement
Author: Remi Rough
Velocity Press
Release 18th July, 2025
Limited Edition dust jacket and A2 poster £35.00
Standard Edition £29.00
©2025 Remi Rough, Velocity Press
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