From Buildings to Cargo Ships: Invader's 4 Largest Invasions
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Invader, the famed French street artist, is known for his pixelated mosaics. Typically, the mosaics’ modest size allows them to capture the essence of 8-bit video game characters at their finest. However, Invader had been experiencing different styles of art, hence he ventured into new territory with his 4 largest invasions, a far cry from his usual practices.
The Mosaics
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Usually, each tile represents one pixel, but that’s not the case here. As shown above, each pixel is made with 9 individual tiles, which is at least ten times larger than the tiles he regularly uses.
Creating such a massive piece poses unique challenges, including application, accuracy, meticulous planning, and collaboration. It demands innovative techniques and tools to ensure the mosaic is both visually stunning and structurally sound.
This mosaic was strategically placed in a prominent location, the Place Stravinsky. The Place Stravinsky in Paris is renowned for its vibrant street art scene and its dynamic mix of modern art and urban culture. This lively atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both artists and casuals, blending contemporary installations with spontaneous street art. The mosaic transforms its surroundings, inviting viewers to experience Invader's art on a new scale. Not only does it draw attention to his craftsmanship, but also sparks discussions about the intersection of digital nostalgia and contemporary art.
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The mosaic PA_1525 is located in Place d’Italie, another prominent location in the 13th arrondissement in Paris. The place is of historical significance, as it is a departure point for travelers heading to Italy. The mosaic features a classic white Invader encircled by a red and white ring against a green background, reflecting the colors of the Italian flag.
Invader shared the mosaic's creation process on Instagram, highlighting its impressive scale with a drone shot. The installation was made possible with the permission of the district's town hall, showcasing the collaboration between the artist and local authorities. This new addition enhances the vibrant street art scene in Paris and pays homage to the area's cultural connections to Italy.
Painting
Besides mosaics, the graduate from École des Beaux-Arts, Invader, has created several paintings on streets. For years, Invader's icon has been small and colored tiles. The traditional medium offers the possibility of larger-scale works and more fluid designs, bringing a remarkable experience to his art.
However, back in 2011, in Brussels, Invader created a painting on their Libération newspaper’s terrace. Invader arrived at the building with paints and rollers and proceeded to invade the platform of the office of the French newspaper. Although Libération newspaper has since moved offices, the mosaic remained in the office they once used. The sheer scale of the painting is obvious as it is visible with any Maps application that provides satellite photos.
Cargo containers
In 2014, Invader posted a photo of an old project he had done in 2010. It shows a cargo ship with a Space Invader icon on the side of the containers. We are unsure where the ship is located, but the ship shown is the Hanjin Boston, IMO 9290464, a unique ship identifier from the International Maritime Organization.
Here comes the twist: it is an edited photo. In fact, Invader searched the photo online and then processed it with a photo editing software. It’s ironic how many people liked the post and believed Invader. He didn’t say much on how or why this is done, and it remains a mystery to this day.
Invader's largest works are a testament to his evolving artistry and vision. By scaling up his iconic style, he continues to push boundaries and engage audiences, proving that even the smallest details can make a massive impact. We doubt that the faking of the invasion of the cargo ship is severe to his influence. What do you think about the situation, leave a comment down below!
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We do not own copyrights to the photos used
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All rights reserved ~ We do not own copyrights to the photos used ~
