Invader is a French street artist (b. 1969) who has maintained his anonymity behind his street name. He is known for his ceramic mosaic art works based on pixelated art from 1970s and 80s video games, featuring iconic characters like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Super Mario, and more. His works are visible in prominent locations across 80 cities in 20 countries. Invader also publishes books and maps that guide viewers to the locations of his creations. His artworks have been exhibited in galleries worldwide, and he gained even greater popularity and recognition after appearing in the 2010 documentary about street art, 'Exit Through the Gift Shop'.
"Some people call me a polluter, others say I'm an artist.
I prefer to think of myself as an invader!"
Invader graduated from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, although he often jokingly states in interviews that he graduated from a tiling school on Mars! He drew inspiration for his works from the video games he played in his childhood during the 70s and 80s. Using tiles that represent the pixels in 8-bit graphics, Invader began creating mosaics in Paris in the 1990s. He often installs mosaics in culturally or historically significant locations.
What’s Your Invasion Strategy? What Are the Rules of the Game?
Gradually, I organized a meticulous process where I research dense urban areas around the world and "invade" them. Typically, I place 20 to 50 pieces in each city, which is considered a good score. Sometimes I return to the same city and carry out additional "invasion waves," as I like to call them. The goal is to increase my score by continuously penetrating new spaces. "Anytime, anywhere" is my philosophy… I strive to evolve and reinvent myself constantly while managing a precise and aesthetic invasion project.
Invader operates anonymously, often at night and wearing a mask. To maintain his privacy, he uses pixelation or wears a mask in filmed interviews. He claims that only a small number of people know his name and face, and that his parents believe he works as a ceramicist in the construction industry.
"I define myself as an 'unidentified free artist.' I chose Invader as my street name, and I always appear with a mask. This way, I can visit my exhibitions without any of the visitors knowing who I really am, even if I’m standing right next to them. Since 1998, I have developed a large-scale project called 'Space Invaders"
The project aims to liberate art from the constraints of museums and institutions that claim it for themselves. Additionally, the project seeks to release the Space Invaders from the screens of video games and bring them into our physical world. Initially, I thought about creating a series of "canvases," but quickly realized that the tiles are the perfect material for presenting the works directly on walls. From there, the idea arose to place my creatures on walls in Paris and then in cities around the world. Each unique piece has become part of an ongoing international project.
After completing a work, Invader records it as an "invasion" and creates maps and reference books indicating the location of each piece. Recently, he created his FLASH INVADERS game, where users earn points for each Invader they capture with their mobile phones.
Flash Invaders combines Space Invaders with the game and encourages Invader’s many fans to embark on a global scavenger hunt for his works. By leveraging digital technology, Invader created a database cataloging every piece he has ever installed, assigning each a score between 10 and 100. Flash Invaders is an app he designed and launched himself in 2014, allowing fans to locate and mark the mosaics they find, thereby accumulating points and competing with other enthusiasts.
Why Did You Choose Space Invaders as the Central Character for Your Project?
"In my opinion, they are the perfect icons for our era, an era where digital technologies are the beating heart of our world. Since these creatures are made up of pixels, they are ready to be replicated in tiles. Ultimately, their name is meant for my project: they are "Space Invaders!"
How Do You Choose the Locations for Your Mosaics?
"This is a vital part of the invasion, and it's a very subjective process. I need to identify the 'nerve points' of the cities I visit. The process takes a lot of time and requires prolonged observations. I compare it to urban acupuncture."
How Do You Operate in the Streets? Are the Mosaics Prepared in Advance?
"It depends. I have developed several techniques that allow me to adapt to different situations, depending on the location and time, the size of the mosaic, and the height of the wall… All to be as quick and discreet as possible. I use innovative and efficient adhesives or mortars. Some of the works are removed by dissatisfied property owners or cleaning companies, but this is quite rare".
Do You Have Issues with Authorities?
"Yes, but not always. Sometimes there are police officers who recognize and appreciate my art. However, there are instances where I am not welcome. A gallery owner I worked with had to spend two weeks in jail after being charged with supporting me. There are countries I can no longer visit for fear of criminal punishment. Fortunately, it’s just art, and I won’t face the death penalty—that's the only punishment that could stop my project".
Is There a Message Behind Your Project? Is It Political?
"I don’t have a message that I want to convey to the world, and I don’t operate politically. The very act of my work is already political, since in 99% of cases, I operate illegally. I focus more on artistic experiments than on political resistance. I love the idea of taking art out of its context and bringing it to the streets, to surprise ordinary people while constantly creating new works. I hope this project leaves a mark not only on the streets but also in people’s thoughts".
Invader started his artistic journey with the desire to transform pop culture into art, so it’s no surprise that it has remained central to his artistic evolution. Besides the Space Invader aliens that started it all, there are also ghosts from Pac-Man, Disney and Sesame Street characters, and even The Dude from *The Big Lebowski*. His aliens come in a multitude of colors, sometimes enjoying drinks, wearing crowns, or giving a thumbs up.
Invader usually creates ceramic plaques with his works and then discreetly affixes them to carefully selected locations. Similar to other street artists, when he invades cities other than his own, he often has locals assisting him. They scout suitable sites and take all necessary precautions to avoid legal repercussions, as graffiti is still considered vandalism in many countries and could carry severe penalties.
For larger works, he sometimes creates a sample in his studio before installation. This replica, which he calls an "Alias," occasionally appears in his "Space Shop," offering a rare opportunity to purchase an authenticated artwork. Today, street art can fetch hefty price tags at auction, making Invader's public mosaics ripe for theft. In 2017, it was reported that thieves posing as city workers stole several of Invader's mosaics from Paris. But similar to Banksy’s works, these pieces have no value unless the artist claims them. Invader’s mosaics are made of simple materials and often need to be reassembled once removed, rendering pilfering attempts worthless. Instead, Invader encourages enthusiasts to create their own personal artworks using his Invasion Kits.
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