Invader Early Mosaics: The Rubikcubism Art Style
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Invader, the French street artist who pioneered the Rubikcubism style in his studio work, started installing Rubik’s cube-inspired mosaics on the streets. They may not look as refined as actual Rubikcubism works. Still, they are necessary to build what defines Rubikcubism as it is now both an art style and a movement. Most of these mosaics were made in the early stages of the artist’s street art journey, the first decade, to be exact. They may look rough, but let’s appreciate their simplicity.
Paris
PA_614
The first Rubikcubism mosaic was placed on the streets in October, 2005, in the 15th arrondissement. PA_614 depicts one side of the Rubik’s Cube with all the colors included. Sadly, after over 20 years of degradation, a few tiles had since fallen off of the mosaic.
PA_615
A few days later, PA_615 was installed in the 11th arrondissement. It is a very unique mosaic, as Rubik’s Cubes are directly adhered to the exterior of a building, recreating the classic mosaic look. Sadly, though, the mosaic has gone through a lot of degradation and destruction. Therefore, the mosaic was reactivated, though the red eyes seem to have faded to some degree, which may be a lighting issue of sorts.
PA_627
In the following month, another Rubikcubism mosaic was once again installed in the 11th arrondissement. PA_627 depicts a 1 by 1 Rubik’s Cube above the text “Rubikcubisme” —in French— on a sky blue background.
PA_632 & PA_633
In December 2005, PA_632 and PA_633 were placed in the 20th and 10th arrondissements respectively. Both are Rubik’s Cube artworks depicting two Space Invaders in their unique look.
PA_636, PA_637 & PA_638
These three consecutive mosaics, PA_636-638, were placed in the 3, 4, and 5 arrondissements near the end 2005. It shows how diverse the mosaics can be revolving around the same topic of Rubikcubism. The three mosaics’ current situations are degraded, well, and destroyed respectively.
PA_645
In February 2006, PA_645 was installed. It looks similar to the previous mosaics, PA_638. Though this time, the Space Invader on the right is in a random color palette and it has switched places with the cube.
PA_649 & PA_651
Both installed in March 2006, PA_649 and PA_651 seem rather similar, with the one-sided cube in the center. The only difference is that the two mosaics have different colours on the Rubik’s Cube.
PA_676 & PA_678
In July 2006, PA_676 and PA_678 were placed in the streets of the 6th arrondissement of Paris. It was the first time this kind of red and white strip pattern appeared in the Rubikcubism mosaics. In addition, Bubble Bobble was featured in this collection. Sadly, both of these mosaics have since been destroyed.
PA_743
Another great use of contrast is PA_743, which shows the vibrant colors on the Rubik’s Cube, with the white outlining the red figure in the center. This mosaic was placed a year after the last Rubikcubism mosaic was made. It’s also destroyed on the streets of the 10th arrondissement.
PA_746
A simplified version of the color palette of the Rubik’s Cube can be seen in the 6 large tiles in PA_746. This mosaic was removed in 2024.
PA_931
4 years later, in March of 2011, this plain mosaic, PA_931, depicts yet another one-sided cube with a swamp green background. This mosaic is located in the 9th arrondissement.
Others
LDN_60
Back in February 2006, the first Rubikcubism mosaic in London was placed. LDN_60 seemed to be another one-sided cube with white, blue, and yellow on the sides. Sadly, it was quickly removed, but many suspect that it was once located at what is now Neo Bankside, an apartment building.
WN_39
In June 2006, Vienna, Austria, WN_39 appeared with 3 sharp colors of red, green, and yellow with a gray background similar to the ceramic behind. This mosaic seems to be blending into the environment.
NY_100
In New York, near the end of 2007, the ghost in Pac-Man made with Rubik’s Cubes appeared in front of a red brick wall. As time past, the color of the surface has faded and resulted in a not-so-handsome ghost.
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We do not own any copyrights to the photos used
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All rights reserved ~ We do not own any copyrights to the photos used ~
