From Street Art to Space Art: The Incredible Space Invasions of French Urban Artist, Invader

Celebrated French urban artist Invader has gained immense recognition for his unique and exceptional style, replicating the crude pixellation of 8-bit video games from the 1970s and 1980s. His stunning mosaic pieces can be found in cities worldwide, adorning buildings, walls, and alleyways, and his artwork has become a ubiquitous feature of many urban landscapes.

Invading urban spaces with his art has become his life’s mission, and his passion for creating these mosaic pieces is evident in the sheer number of artworks he has produced throughout his career. Invader placed his 4000th Mosaic on the island of Potosi in Bolivia, which is especially famous for being the highest city in the world, just over 4,000 meters above sea level.

After captivating the world with his unique invasions, the enigmatic Invader sought to push the boundaries of his artistic vision and expand his reach into the cosmos. In this editorial, we’ll delve into Invader’s cosmic odyssey and explore the stunning artworks that are intimately linked to each of his missions.

Art4Space

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In August 2012, Invader returned to Miami and travelled to the edge of the Florida Everglades. He meticulously executed several flight simulations and planned to launch one of his artworks, Space 1, into the stratosphere. Invader proceeded to use a high-altitude balloon to launch Space 1 into the middle layer of the atmosphere, which is located about 60 kilometres from the earth’s surface. The launch had to be postponed for several days due to unfavourable weather conditions and intense heat.

Finally, after a flight of 3 hours and 53 minutes, Space 1 completed its triumphant return trip to the ground. ART4SPACE is the first Invader artwork to journey to space. Invader also created a short film documenting the artwork’s journey, and this print showcases the most significant moment of the journey.

This 2013 limited edition signed screen print is a part of Invader’s Space collection. It features a reproduction of the renowned Space One mosaic by Invader, depicting Earth’s stratosphere in the background. You can also find these prints in an Art4Space 2D Print and an Art4Space 3D Print.

Invader – Art4Space 2D Print

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Invader experimented with an Art4Space 3D Print for a more immersive viewing experience. This special edition comes with branded 3D glasses, and the result is out of this world!

Invader – Art4Space 3D Print

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SPACE ONE

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This 2013 limited edition signed screen print belongs to Invader’s Space collection. Space One is a highly sought-after piece among Invader’s works because it portrays the Space One mosaic that Invader sent into space for ART4SPACE. This project was groundbreaking as Space One was Invader’s first artwork launched into space, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Invader’s art and forever shaping his career. The screenprint was available in a Space One (Red) edition and a more limited Space One (Pink) edition.

Space Invader Space One (Red) Print

Invader also brought out the more limited Space One (Pink) edition.

Invader – Space One (Pink)

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Space2

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The installation location chosen for the Space2 KLN_27 invader mosaic was the International Space Station (ISS), generously provided by the European Space Agency (ESA). The mosaic was launched on the 29th of July, 2014, aboard the European spaceship ATV-5.

Once it arrived at the ISS, it remained in zero gravity for several months until the astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti arrived at the station and found its perfect permanent location.

On the 12th of March, 2015, It was announced that the mission had been completed and the mosaic had been installed on the European module Columbus.

Space2, last tests before leaving: Image @ ESA space invader

Watch this Space

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In January 2023, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet sent Invader an email, declaring he was a fan and offering to take one of his works to the moon. “Somehow, it made sense that his little aliens be up there in space, looking down at us,” Mr. Pesquet explained.

Thomas Pesquet, who had spent six months in the International Space Station (ISS) and returned to Earth in June 2017, was an instant fan of Invader’s space2 mosaic called KLN_27.

Invader has already left his mark on the moon through his artwork titled ‘L.E.D’ from 2017. The piece showcases the moon’s terrain embellished with stars, with a bright pink Space Invader character.

L.E.D. Screen print by Invader

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The power of art to connect people from diverse backgrounds is truly incredible, and moments like these highlight the impact that Invader has on the world. His invasions can be tracked here, and you can become part of his world by playing the “Flash Invaders” game.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the artworks by Invader, please visit our Graffiti Street store here. Alternatively, if you have any enquiries or can’t find what you are looking for, please contact us. We are more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

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