Why Did Invader Choose Space Invaders?
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Space Invaders, or Invader, is the pseudonym of a well-known street artist who is famous for his art style of works made with ceramic tiles. But why did he choose this classic arcade game as his persona, depicting them in his mosaics?
Space Invaders
Space Invaders is a classic arcade video game created by Tomohiro Nishikado and released in 1978. In this iconic game, players control a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, shooting at rows of descending aliens. The objective is to eliminate all the invaders before they reach the bottom, while dodging their projectiles. The game's simple yet addictive mechanics, combined with its pixelated graphics and catchy sound effects, contributed to its immense popularity and influence on the gaming industry. Space Invaders not only defined the shoot 'em up genre but also marked a significant milestone in video game history, paving the way for future arcade games.
The Trend
Back in Invader’s childhood, Space Invader was the trend. When the game was launched four decades ago, teenagers would rush into arcades and spend the whole day playing the game. Space Invaders, with its simple yet captivating pixelated graphics, resonated with a generation that grew up during the dawn of the digital age. People like Invader grew up in that environment, with arcade games and the digital era emerging, Space Invaders is no doubt one of the games that everybody loves, being an unforgettable childhood memory of the 80s.
In my own eyes, they are the perfect icons of our time, a time when digital technologies are the heartbeat of our world.
-Invader
The Reasons:
Global Space Invasion
Invader initiated the Global Space Invasion two decades ago, with every mosaic that he placed called an Invader, depicting characters that he designed. The theme of Invasion is similar to the Space Invaders game, involving an invasion of space. This could be seen with him often referring to himself from Earth, but the mosaics from outer space. The only difference is the artist's work invades urban landscapes with art and beauty. This Invasion is why Space Invaders are chosen, it is a game with scenes that won’t exist in real life, and Invader brought it here with street art.
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Homage to Classic Video Games
The name Invader pays tribute to the classic 1978 arcade game Space Invaders. As a significant part of popular culture, Invader wanted to show the world his love for the game, thus drawing on the nostalgia and cultural significance of early video games; further appealing to a broad audience that grew up with these games. This connection makes his work more relatable and recognizable. Invader’s works often mimic the pixelated style of early video games. By using this imagery, Invader tapped into a sense of nostalgia while commenting on digital culture's pervasive influence. His mosaics appear in unexpected places, transforming public spaces and adding an element of surprise and invasion. Providing citizens with a way to enjoy art, serving his motive of sharing art with everybody.
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Anonymity
Using a consistent theme and style helps the artist build a recognizable identity. The pixelated mosaics are a signature of Invader's work, making it easy for people to identify his pieces across different cities and countries. Adopting a pseudonym helps the artist maintain anonymity, which is crucial for street artists who often work illegally. In addition, the masks provide a change of focus for audiences, shifting their focal point to the mosaic instead of the artist. The name Invader creates a distinct persona and brand that stands out in the street art scene.
Invader doesn’t randomly choose his persona, whether it’s how he presents himself to the crowd behind a mask, or how he uses Invader as a fictitious name as an artist, it demonstrates the thoughts behind what seems to be simple and easy. Coming up with something representing your character is important, and Invader fully captures how much your name affects you.
