Copycats of Invader’s Works: The Artist’s Response
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The French street artist known for his pixelated mosaics, Invader, has attracted audiences worldwide with his unique style of pixelation, inspired by classic arcade games. Not only has it gained a massive following, but it has also attracted imitators and copycats who steal the idea of bringing back nostalgia. The rise of these people poses challenges to the authenticity and originality of his work, creating a doubtful environment in street treasure-hunting.
The Phenomenon
Invader's art is characterized by vibrant mosaics that transform urban spaces. His pieces, reminiscent of early video game graphics, are strategically placed in cities around the globe in a manner that playfully interacts with its environment.
However, as Invader's popularity grew, so did the number of artists mimicking his style. They would often replicate his designs by placing similarly designed mosaics in public spaces. Now, some may argue that they lack the same level of creativity as they are simply stealing others’ hard work and building upon the fame of others. And while imitation can be seen as a form of flattery, it also dilutes the authenticity of genuine and original pieces. Therefore, copycat works have sparked debates within the art community about originality and intellectual property.
Examples
Islip
Islip, a town on Long Island, New York, has its own “Invader”. Dedicated to creating modern cartoon mosaics, such as Pokémon GO and Mario mosaics, Mr. 8 Bit, as some locals would call him remains anonymous just like Invader. As you travel through Islip, some tile mosaic art pieces appear. Sometimes you will see them on the streets when you are passing by the local area. Though these art pieces have a sounding resemblance to Invader’s, they are not made by him.
The Islip artist, inspired by Invader, decided to encourage locals to explore the community with his art. For a couple of years now, the Facebook page 8-Bit Tile Art-Islip NY has been featuring families capturing photos of pieces all around town. However, some pieces seem to disappear out of nowhere. The locals in Islip, wanting to get to the bottom of it, decided to take action.
Exciting things happen in Islip. So turn off your TV and head on your very own adventure to find these creative art pieces!!
-Islip Chamber Of Commerce
There are various posts similar to Invader’s pixelated aesthetic. Some used digital media to recreate music album covers, some spray canned directly on the wall, and some painted directly on canvas. They are not trying to replicate anything, but are simply influenced by the classic pixels style.
Invader's Response
Following Invader’s footsteps, people all around the world have started to install mosaics in the streets of their cities. These people are recreating the style of low-resolution gaming experience in their artworks all over the streets of the world. Though Invader has acknowledged the increasing number of copycats, till this date, he has said nothing about this situation. This is because his work emphasizes innovation and aims to provide curiosity and enjoyment for the viewers. In short, copycats aren’t an issue to the French artist.
These totally independent initiatives are out of my control, but it is nice to notice that in a certain way, I have started a movement.
-Invader
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FlashInvaders
The official application, FlashInvaders, makes discovering street art a treasure hunt, getting a score within the range of 10 to 100 for every new piece scanned.
Most importantly, however, FlashInvaders ensures Invader’s mosaics are easily authenticated. With the worldwide availability of Invader’s work by the Global Invasion Project in international status, an app that verifies every single piece is essential. The works of Invaders are preserved as data containing images, a date, an address, and, most importantly, a code in the following format: Location_No. This is crucial as having a database for every single artwork installed leaves no room for doubting whether a mosaic is Invader’s or not.
Though, mosaics made by other artists are sometimes recognized by the application. It doesn’t display the usual message “Missed“, but instead "Not Made By Invader", showing Invader’s acknowledgement of these copycats. Here are some examples from Paris:
rEFLECTION
The issue surrounding the similar style of Invader's art invites reflection on the broader appreciation of creativity. While imitators may replicate his pixelated style, it's important to see these works not as mere copies but as tributes to the nostalgic allure of arcade games. By acknowledging the influence of Invader, these artists celebrate a shared cultural memory, highlighting the enduring impact of retro gaming on contemporary art. This perspective encourages us to appreciate the diverse expressions of nostalgia and creativity, fostering a richer understanding of how art evolves and inspires.
The copycat issue highlights the challenges faced by artists in preserving the integrity of their work. Invader's situation underscores the need for ongoing creativity and vigilance in the ever-evolving world of street art. Despite these challenges, Invader remains a pioneering force, inspiring both genuine artists and imitators alike. So, are copycats a good thing or a bad thing?
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We do not own rights to the photos used
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All rights reserved ~ We do not own rights to the photos used ~
