INVADER: In Conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the mind of one of the most enigmatic figures in contemporary art. Known for his iconic mosaic works inspired by 8-bit video games, INVADER has captivated audiences worldwide with his guerrilla-style installations that blur the lines between street art, pop culture, and high art. This book, structured as a series of conversations with renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, delves deep into the artist’s creative process, motivations, and the philosophy behind his work.
Obrist, celebrated for his ability to draw out profound insights from artists, engages INVADER in a dialogue that is both thought-provoking and accessible. The conversations traverse a wide range of topics, from the artist’s early influences and the evolution of his pixelated aesthetic to his global “invasion” projects, which have seen his works appear in cities from Paris to Hong Kong. The book also explores the tension between anonymity and fame, a central theme in INVADER’s practice, as he continues to conceal his identity while his art gains international acclaim.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its ability to balance the playful, nostalgic elements of INVADER’s work with deeper reflections on the role of art in public spaces. Obrist’s probing questions encourage INVADER to articulate the conceptual underpinnings of his practice, revealing a seriousness of purpose that might surprise those who view his work as purely whimsical. The inclusion of vivid photographs and behind-the-scenes anecdotes further enriches the narrative, offering readers a visual journey through the artist’s most iconic projects.
INVADER: In Conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist is not just a book for fans of street art or contemporary art; it is a testament to the power of creativity to transform urban landscapes and challenge conventional notions of art. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and culture, and a fascinating exploration of one of the most innovative artists of our time.
The street artist known as Invader has made a name for himself by using his signature pixelated characters to bring art to the public in a way that feels approachable and unpretentious. Calling himself an Unidentified Free Artist (UFA), he keeps his identity hidden behind masks and digital pixelation, a fitting reflection of his artistic mission: to “invade” public spaces around the world, often without permission, and leave behind his viral, game-inspired art.
Born in France in 1969, Invader studied at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Like many artists, he struggled to break into the gallery scene after graduating. To make ends meet, he built websites for small businesses during the early days of the internet. This work, along with his love for classic video games like Space Invaders (1978), sparked his fascination with pixels and 8-bit graphics, which would later become the foundation of his iconic style.
Invader’s early experiments with digital characters began as paintings on canvas, but he soon shifted to mosaics made from bathroom tiles. This medium became crucial in developing his pixelated aesthetic. In 1998, he took his art to the streets, placing his first mosaic—a playful alien—on a cement wall in Paris. He joked that this was the best way to ensure more people would see his work. From there, his Space Invader project was born, a global mission to liberate art from traditional, often alienating spaces and to free the pixelated aliens from the confines of video games and screens.
Over the years, Invader has “invaded” cities across the globe, leaving behind 20 to 50 mosaics in each location, sometimes returning for additional “waves” of installations. His works are carefully placed—often in hard-to-reach spots or high-traffic areas—and thoughtfully designed to engage with their surroundings. In Tokyo, you might stumble across a Hello Kitty mosaic, while in Paris, a Spiderman mosaic hangs upside down from a chimney. In Frankfurt, the planets of the solar system adorn the wall of the European Space Agency. His art has even reached outer space, with a piece on the International Space Station, and the ocean floor off the coast of Cancún.
Finding an Invader mosaic has become a global treasure hunt, like a real-life game of Where’s Waldo. To enhance the experience, Invader has created “Invasion Maps” for some cities and even developed an app that lets users track down and photograph his mosaics to earn points.
While street art remains at the heart of his practice, Invader has expanded into other mediums over the years. His Rubikcubism series features intricate sculptures made from Rubik’s Cubes, and he’s also ventured into installations, film, and even designed a sneaker that leaves an alien footprint. Through it all, he’s stayed true to his pixelated aesthetic, constantly finding new ways to evolve his style and bring accessible, engaging art to people everywhere. Invader’s work is a reminder that art doesn’t have to be confined to galleries—it can be playful, interactive, and part of the everyday world. PCR