Remko Koopman - De Leidse School - 2008

The Leiden School tells the story of the rise and development of the phenomenon of graffiti in Leiden and its makers. The story starts in the 1980s in the streets of Leiden, then shows the apotheosis of graffiti on trains and metros in the mid-90s and culminates in the acceptance of graffiti-related art by galleries and museums.

The role of the Leiden graffiti writers on the Amsterdam metro is also discussed in detail. A development that made Amsterdam the graffiti mecca of Europe. The book is a portrait of Leiden’s graffiti history, but it is also a model for a development process that has applied to several large cities in the Netherlands.

Stories told by the protagonists of the Leiden graffiti scene provide a clear picture of a controversial underground subculture.
The stories are supported by a large number of newspaper clippings and news reports that together form a unique era.

The Leiden School covers all aspects of graffiti culture. The artists, but also the vandals tell their story.

A second book by Remko Koopman about graffiti. This book is the successor to Amsterdam Graffiti: the Battle of Waterloo, which was published in 2004 and is considered a cult classic within the graffiti world.

‘The second book about graffiti by graphic designer Remko Koopman from Kunstcollectief Booyabase. Just like in his first book on the Amsterdam graffiti scene ‘Battle of Waterloo’, Koopman shows a view into the world and psyche of ‘graffiti writers’. In the 1980s and 90s, the city of Leiden produced some very influential graffiti artists. Writers such as ZEDZ, DAYS, YALT, SCAGE, HAT and MOON have gained national and international fame through their innovative paintwork on walls, construction shacks, trains and subways. This book is recommended for those who are interested in the visual arts and are not averse to controversy. By means of interviews with the artists / vandals and an abundance of colorful visual material, the reader is taken from the street, rail tracks and ‘metroyards’ to the walls of the museum. A beautiful book for the enthusiast!’-Rebecca Moire

‘Beautiful book about the history of the Leiden graffiti scene. A lot of exclusive images and in-depth background information make this a must-have for every art lover and a celebration of recognition for everyone who grew up in Leiden in the 1980s / 90s. The book gives an overview of the founders from the 80s’ like El Sore and Zedz to contemporary street art artists such as Chairman and the Dstruct Collectief.