Invader
Invader, born Franck Slama in 1969 in Paris, France, is a renowned contemporary street artist best known for his mosaic tile artworks inspired by the pixelated graphics of 1970s and 1980s video games. Operating under the alias Invader, he has become a pivotal figure in the urban art scene, with his works visible in cities around the world.
Invader operates incognito, frequently wearing a mask and working mainly at night. To maintain his anonymity during interviews, he either pixelates his image or wears a mask. He asserts that only a handful of people know his true identity and that his parents believe he works as a tiler in the construction industry.
Invader's artistic journey began in the late 1990s when he started creating and installing his distinctive mosaics in public spaces. His first invasion took place in Paris in 1998, and since then, he has expanded his operations globally. Each piece, typically featuring characters from iconic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Super Mario Bros., is meticulously crafted using small tiles to replicate the look of digital pixels. The artworks are strategically placed in urban environments, often high on walls or in hard-to-reach places, challenging both the artist and the observer.
The concept behind Invader's work is multifaceted. On one level, it pays homage to the early days of video gaming, evoking nostalgia for a generation that grew up with these games. On another, it engages with the urban environment, transforming mundane cityscapes into playful and thought-provoking canvases. Each piece is cataloged and given a unique identification number, contributing to a larger narrative of a global invasion.
Invader's impact on the art world extends beyond his street installations. He has exhibited his work in numerous galleries and museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and the Musée en Herbe in Paris. His exhibitions often feature a combination of his street mosaics, large-scale installations, and digital works, further blurring the line between street art and fine art.
One of his most ambitious projects is "Space Invaders," an ongoing series where he aims to install 1000 unique mosaics in cities worldwide. This project not only showcases his dedication to his craft but also invites viewers to see their urban environments in a new light. Invader's works can be found in cities such as New York, Tokyo, London, and São Paulo, each installation contributing to a global game of sorts, where fans of his work can "collect" sightings of his pieces.
In 2015, Invader took his concept to a new level with the release of the "FlashInvaders" mobile app, a game that allows users to hunt for his mosaics and score points by photographing them. This innovative approach merges his street art with digital technology, creating an interactive experience for his audience.
Despite his widespread fame, Invader remains anonymous, carefully guarding his identity to maintain the purity of his work and its guerrilla nature. His anonymity allows him to continue working without the constraints and pressures that often come with public recognition.
Invader's influence on contemporary street art is undeniable. Invader’s work blurs the lines between street art and traditional art forms, often incorporating elements of pop culture and technology. His approach has garnered significant attention and respect in the art world, leading to exhibitions in galleries and museums, as well as various art books documenting his work.
Through his innovative use of pixel art and his global approach to street art, Invader has become a significant figure in contemporary urban art, contributing to the dialogue between public space and artistic expression.
Invader - Rubik's Cube (2022).
Invader's Rubik's Cube art
Since 2004, Invader has delved into Rubikcubism, a unique style that employs Rubik's Cubes to create pixelated images. This technique involves using a computer program to calculate the precise color distribution on each Rubik's Cube needed to achieve a specific image. Invader then arranges the cubes to form the desired pattern, which is attached to a backing board. Each piece typically consists of about 300 cubes, measures roughly 0.9 by 1.3 meters (3 ft × 4 ft), and weighs approximately 36 kilograms (80 lb), although dimensions can vary depending on the subject and level of detail.
Rubikcubism is organized into three main series: "Bad Men," featuring portraits of infamous figures like Osama bin Laden, Jaws, and Al Capone; "Masterpieces," which reinterprets famous paintings by artists such as Delacroix, Warhol, Seurat, and Lichtenstein; and "Low Fidelity," based on iconic album covers like "Country Life," "The Velvet Underground & Nico," and "Nevermind." Notable works include renditions of the Mona Lisa, the Dalai Lama, and a prominent 2005 portrait of Florence Rey. Invader's Rubikcubism merges the playful, interactive nature of the Rubik's Cube with pixel art, highlighting his innovative approach to contemporary urban art.
Space Invaders
Space Invaders is one of Invader’s most iconic and ongoing projects, reflecting his fascination with pixel art and video game culture. Launched in the early 1990s, the project involves installing small, colorful mosaics of pixelated characters inspired by the classic arcade game "Space Invaders." These mosaics are placed in public spaces across cities around the world, transforming urban environments into a kind of interactive art gallery.
The project plays with the concept of invasion, both in the literal sense of placing art in urban areas and in the playful sense of "invading" public spaces with these pixelated characters. Invader's work in this project often involves carefully selecting locations that align with the character of the city or area, making each installation unique and contextually relevant.
The Space Invaders project has become a significant cultural phenomenon, influencing both street art and contemporary art practices. It bridges the gap between traditional art and modern technology, merging pixel art with the aesthetics of urban space.
The project spans all over the world, including major urban centers like New York, Tokyo, London, and Berlin. Invader's work is designed to blend into the urban environment, making each piece a unique interaction between the art and its setting. Each piece is designed to be a subtle yet striking addition to the urban landscape, inviting passersby to discover and appreciate the art in their everyday environments. This project has significantly contributed to Invader's reputation and established him as a major figure in contemporary street art.
Some of Invader's installations are cataloged in a series of maps and guides, allowing fans and collectors to locate and document them. This aspect of the project adds a game-like quality, encouraging people to seek out and find the artworks.
Invader’s Space Invaders have been featured in various art exhibitions and have garnered significant media attention. The project continues to evolve, with new installations and adaptations reflecting changes in both technology and urban landscapes.
The Space Invaders project highlights Invader’s inventive approach to street art, merging gaming culture with public art and turning urban spaces into vibrant art experiences. His impact on contemporary art is profound, as his distinctive methods and commitment to his craft inspire a new wave of artists. His work stands as a testament to the playful and defiant spirit of the street art movement. With every new "invasion," Invader pushes the limits of public art and its relationship with the digital era, ensuring his enduring influence on the urban landscapes he reimagines.
Selena Mattei
