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The French street artist Invader has struck once more, unleashing his 18th wave on the capital! This time, he’s gifted London with 12 new mosaics, bringing the city’s total to 150 mosaics and racking up a massive 3,630 points for fans tracking his work on the FlashInvaders app.
Invader — inspired by the pixelated charm of 1970s-80s 8-bit video games — creates his signature artworks from square ceramic tiles, transforming city walls into nostalgic playgrounds. His alias pays homage to the iconic 1978 arcade game Space Invaders, and his mosaics channel that same retro energy.
London’s relationship with Invader began in 1999, when he placed his very first mosaic here. More than two decades later, the city continues to be a prime target for his pixelated invasions — and street art lovers couldn’t be happier.
LDN_01 Invasion of london 1999 Photo © Space Invader
This time round, the mosaics definitely had a Great British feel, with Invader adding a playful local twist to his pixelated creations. Among the highlights is a charming mosaic of an Invader drinking tea on Commercial Street — a perfect nod to one of Britain’s most beloved traditions. These new pieces blend Invader’s signature retro style with a dose of London character, making this wave a true celebration of the city’s spirit.
Tea Time London Invasion 2016 Photo © GraffitiStreet
This wave also taps into our obsession with CCTV, with Space Invader playfully turning the tables — he’s watching us! One clever mosaic shows an Invader placing flowers in a pot within a CCTV camera, blending humour with a subtle commentary on surveillance culture. It’s a perfect example of how his art interacts with its urban surroundings, inviting us to look a little closer.
CCTVFlower London Invasion 2016 Photo © Space Invader
CCTVflower London Invasion 2016 Photo © Space Invader
CCTVflower London Invasion 2016 Photo © Space Invader
Another highlight of this wave is a mosaic paying cheeky tribute to the Royal Family. Placed on the side of the Prince Charles Cinema, this piece is titled Who is the King? — a playful nod that blends Invader’s pixelated style with a question that invites passers-by to pause and smile. It’s yet another example of how his art cleverly connects with its location.
Who is the King? London Invasion 2016 Photo © @Annar_50
Of course, Invader couldn’t resist referencing the not-so-Great British weather! One of his new mosaics features Invaders braving the rain — umbrellas at the ready — a witty nod to London’s famously unpredictable skies. It’s a fun reminder that even pixelated visitors need to be prepared for a downpour!
Time to Leave London Invasion 2016 Photo © Space Invader
British Gentleman London Invasion 2016 Photo © @muggy_bonehead
Invader also raised a glass to our love of public houses and a pint of beer! One of his latest mosaics features a pixelated Invader enjoying a drink, perfectly capturing the spirit of Britain’s pub culture. It’s a fun and fitting tribute to one of the nation’s favourite pastimes — sharing a pint with friends.
Beer time London Invasion 2016 Photo © Space Invader
Another standout piece from this wave shows an Invader with a paintbrush in hand, placed above John Jones.
Painting Invader London Invasion 2016 Photo © Space Invader
Thank you, Space Invader, for this latest invasion of London — your playful, pixelated creations continue to brighten our streets and spark smiles. We’re already hoping for your return, perhaps with even more Royal antics and clever nods to London life. Until next time, we’ll be hunting down every last mosaic!