‘A’ An exhibition by Steve More & Remi/Rough

‘A’ is an exhibition of future perspectives… The future perspectives of two very different artists who have shared ideas, time and concrete. The title ‘A’ is as much about a new beginning as it is a reference to the Avant garde or Abstraction of their Alternative works. The Alphabet was the starting point for both these artist’s careers and the fact they have now develo…ped those classic icons and forms into heavily abstracted formations and broken landscapes, reiterates a new beginning.

Remi/Rough and Steve More share a tradition of steering against the mainstream to produce work that is both culturally relevant and unique in its vision. For ‘A’ the artists explore the correlations between their work after seven years of development apart. Steve has recently returned to the UK after being based in New Zealand and Remi’s last major show was in London two years ago. Since then he has travelled extensively cementing his reputation both abroad and at home in London.

The artists first met in the early 90’s and worked closely over the following ten years, playing a progressive role in the international graffiti art scene. Their focus on self expression and originality whilst working in the urban vernacular has had a lasting influence on their works, and each other. Since they parted ways in 2003 their work diverged but some similarities remain highly evident.

Remi’s recent work is an evolution of the letterform from his early graffiti pieces. Lines, shapes and form are dramatically skewed to create a perspective suggesting they occupy a 3D environment. His work is as much about the negative space he creates as it is the positive space he uses. The vibrant compositions and textures evoke graffiti from an imagined futuristic society.

Steve More’s work has a tactile quality that is derived from the surfaces in his environment. Found and discarded materials are assimilated into pixels, questioning how the computer age affects our perceptions of time and place. His work is meticulously crafted using the forming and subsequent erosion of materials as an important part of the process. In contrast, Remi’s work is less premeditated and more concerned with immediacy of the moment.

The title for the show ‘A’ holds a significant meaning for both artists: It symbolises new beginnings and heralds a coming of age. It also gives a nod to their past muse: Letter form (A being the first letter of the alphabet). It also bears light on the ‘Abstract’ world in which they convey their ‘Art’, and their ‘Avant garde’ attitude with which they produce it.

As well as producing individual work Remi/Rough and Steve More are members of the influential art collective – Agents of Change.