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Earth To Space Station, Do You Copy? Roger That, Earth! Welcome on Board
Our recent visit to Paris was nothing short of extraordinary as we set out to explore the highly anticipated Invader Space Station. The celebrated French artist Invader and his works never disappoint, and this time was no exception. The Invader Space Station, which you can board (with pre-ordered tickets) until 5th May 2024, is held at 11 Rue Béranger, 75003, a unique building in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement that boasts a fascinating space architectural design and was originally built as a multi-storey car park in 1950 before being converted into offices. It became the French newspaper’s Libération premises for decades until they vacated in 2015. It was the perfect building for the Invader Space Station, an opportunity Invader couldn’t resist.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Ground Level
Welcome On Board
The Invader Space Station starts on the ground floor, where we are greeted by a life-sized portrait of the eponymous astronaut decked out in full space gear. Behind him, the floor 8+ porthole, which offers a breathtaking view of Paris, is now replaced by a space scene to reflect the Invader Space Station’s launch.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Invader invites us to board the Invader Space Station, and the excitement is intense as we open and step through the illuminated red entrance door.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 1-4
As we continue through the red door, we are welcomed by a flight of concrete stairs [START], each level adorned with an incentive message [20%] [GOING UP] [60%] [GET YOUR OXYGEN] that urges you to keep going. As we ascend to greater heights, the music intensifies, heightening our anticipation for what lies ahead. As we finally reach our destination, marked by the word [LOADED], the rhythm of the music calls out to us, beckoning us to advance to level 5!
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 5
Space Battle
We reach level five, stepping into a dark room that transports us to another world. We are immediately greeted by the intense lights of the ‘Space Battle’ installation. The installation is a masterpiece of ‘road separators’ commonly found on construction sites. Each individual ‘road separator’ lights up, creating patterns that synchronise with the beats of the music, creating a perfectly orchestrated experience that mimics the opening screen of the eponymous game.
+ Obsession or acute sense of observation: I often see “space invaders” in my daily life. This is the case, for example, of road separators that can be encountered at work sites. Between ready-made, arte povera and installation, I used them here to recreate the army of pixelated aliens as we can see it on the opening screen of the eponymous game.+
+INVADER (Translated)+
As we ventured towards the back of the ‘Space Battle’ installation, we met an army of Space Invaders on the floor, revealed by the shadows cast by the “road separators.” This was a pleasant surprise, and we found this angle even more enjoyable. The suspended “road separators” intensified the space invader shadows as we progressed towards the back of the room, creating a hypnotic effect that caught us for some time!
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 5+
The Invasion of Paris
With excitement, we ascend the ramp leading to the five+ floor, eager to discover what lies ahead on the “next level.” Upon entering, we are greeted by the “The Invasion of Paris” mosaic invasion, which has consumed the artist since 1998. Presented before us are all 1500 Paris invasions that make up his magnum opus, an impressive and staggering feat.
+Since 1998, Paris has been my main playground. This city is for me an open-air gallery and a place of experimentation. Between each trip around the world, I always took care to continue working on it. This map, as well as the photos associated with it, is a celebration of 25 years of work and the 1500 pieces installed in the streets of Paris.+
+INVADER (Translated)+
From the first invasion, PA_001, to the most recent, PA_1500, we find ourselves thoroughly engrossed in the massive collection of mosaic work. Every Paris invasion is displayed, accompanied by a huge map that denotes their precise locations.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Flash Invaders
Invader shared insights about his “Flash Invaders” game.
+I implemented the FlashInvaders application in 2014. Its operation is simple: go looking for my mosaics and “flash” them (photograph them). The program analyses the player’s photo and position and adds the coin to their collection if this information is correct. With an average of one flash every 3 seconds, more than 350,000 players and nearly 23 million validated flashes, we can say that it has brought together a real community. The most fascinating thing in my eyes is this page on which the flow of all the successful flashes is displayed in real time and which takes us on a journey through space, time and my creations.+
+INVADER (Translated)+
As we watched in real-time, a monitor displayed flashes from different parts of the world, providing a glimpse into the game’s immense popularity and global reach. At that moment, we were constantly being connected with numerous fans of Invader’s artwork, as their flash and score kept appearing, highlighting the significant impact of Invader’s work and the dedicated community of Flash Invaders worldwide.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Stickers
We found the sticker board teeming with vibrant and bold stickers and written messages. As we approached the board, our eyes were immediately drawn to the eclectic mix of space-themed stickers.
+Participatory wall. Anyone can stick their stickers there. I tried this experiment for the first time in 2005 and, after two months of exposure, the wall was covered with it. Up to you…+
Amidst these stickers, we stuck our specially decorated space-themed GraffitiStreet stickers!
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 6
The Invasion of the World
With anticipation, we make our way up the concrete slope to the Sixth-floor exhibit titled “The Invasion of the World”. Upon arrival, we are greeted with another map that vividly showcases the extensive reach of the invasion as it traverses across continents, 4169 Invaders / 83 Territories. Total world domination!
+I have always thought that this artistic invasion should take on a global dimension and, from the very beginning, I have travelled to extend it to the entire world. Each installed mosaic is an autonomous and unique piece, at the same time as a link in a meta-network. I keep 2 reference photos of each of them: one in close-up on the mosaic and the other in wide-shot in its environment, thus immortalising a landscape and an era. Here is an overview with a selection of photographs taken around the world and presented in chronological order.+
+INVADER (Translated)+
The exhibit’s white-walled corridors offer a glimpse into the diverse invasions that have taken place in various countries, all presented with a glossy finish. Walking along the corridors, we are treated to enlarged, life-sized photographs that serve as fun backdrops, depicting scenes such as the ISS Space2 Invasion (2015) and the invasion of the ocean’s depths with his 2012 Invasion of Cancun Bay, Mexico.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 6+
Video Loops
As we ascend to the next level, darkness envelops us, and we hear the faint sounds of videos being played. As we approach, we are greeted by a selection of video hubs showcasing some of the artist’s invasions and behind-the-scenes shots of the work in progress. Observing the enigmatic Invader in motion as he effortlessly scales ladders to affix his mosaics is awesome.
Level 7
TOYS
As we pass the next level, we are surprisingly met with an unfamiliar sight — Kinder Toys. We are puzzled. Is this the work of the Invader?
+This level presents two series that are very different in their form but which share a common base: the plastic toy used as an artistic material. + KINDER TOYS I have been accumulating Kinder Surprise type figurines for a long time with the aim of one day using them in my work. Part industrial plastic waste, little kitsch gems and Proust madeleines, I am using them here for the first time.+
+INVADER (Translated)+
The white-walled corridors are now adorned with Invader’s childhood collection of Kinder Surprise toys, towering to new heights. It is interesting to note (though perhaps not surprising) that the artist is also a collector. These larger-than-life depictions of his childhood treasures evoke a sense of childlike wonder and playfulness, compelling us to engage with them like big kids! Invader also has all the Kinder Surprise toys on display, and it’s very nostalgic to find the ones that were our own surprise as a kid; remember the turtle ones?!
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Read more about Invaders childhood Kinder collection transforming into works of art here.
Rubikcubism
As you stroll through a corridor adorned with white linen to reset the ambience, you stumble upon yet another one of Invader’s childhood toys, the Rubik’s Cube puzzle. It was the very foundation that gave birth to his groundbreaking art movement, Rubikcubism.
+RUBIKCUBISM Since 2005, I have been combining Rubik’s cubes to create sculptures and figurative paintings. What appeals to me with what I called Rubikcubism is the idea of diverting a fun-scientific object to transform it into an artistic medium.+
+INVADER (Translated)+
The Rubikcubisim pieces, which are a series ‘paintings’ made up of Rubik’s Cubes, unveiled a quartet of Shot Marilyns created through Andy Warhol’s iconic artwork, iconic rock album covers, Tarantino’s cinematic universe, and football legends.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Among the artworks was an image that held a special significance for the artist: a self-portrait of Invader as a 7-year-old child, captured through the lens of Rubikcubism.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Ironically, as we were admiring Invader’s self-portrait as a child in Rubicubism, we witnessed a young boy happily playing with a ‘micro Rubik cube’ that had become unattached from the lower left corner of a Rubikcubism artwork opposite. This incident reminded us that these Rubikcubism artworks, which we consider the epitome of creativity and artistry, are seen as toys for children, especially when they are too young for a smartphone to view the piece, and their inquisitiveness is of the toy itself.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
As we watched the boys’s curiosity and playful nature with cube in hand, it reminded us of Invader and his artistic philosophy. The child unknowingly, at that point in time, became a mini-art vandal by merely playing with a Rubik’s cube now unattached from the ‘painting’. While we found and reassured the mother, we couldn’t help but appreciate the poetic situation we found ourselves in, especially as we gazed at Invader’s self-portrait at nine years old, observing the scene unfolding and Invader the astronaut in the background. It was as if life was imitating art! We believed that Invader himself would appreciate the child’s playful innocence, and a simple fix from the artist would suffice, leaving this moment lost in space.
Ouch! Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 7+
Prints on Paper
Continuing our ascent up the concrete slopes, we arrive at the “Prints on Paper” level. This area displays the full collection of Invader’s exclusive limited edition prints, which Invader has created throughout his career. Of particular interest is the artist’s first-ever print, which showcases the alert from 2001. This piece is based on the iconic Macintosh alert icon originally designed by Susan Kare in 1984.
+ Since the invention of mechanical image reproduction, prints on paper have allowed artists to distribute their work on a large scale and make it accessible. Screenprints, engravings or lithographs, I am part of this tradition and have produced them regularly throughout my career. +
+INVADER (Translated)+
In addition to Alert, we have the privilege of witnessing complete collections of Aladdin Sane, The Home Series, and the recently introduced Camo Series. It’s out of this world to observe all these iconic prints in a single location and take a walk through time.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 8
Performance
On the eighth floor, there is a cinema screening room to watch videos showcasing Invader’s works and experiences. These include In Bed with Invader, ART4SPACE, LA 1999-2008, San Diego Walk, PA_763, TOP 10, VRN_12, and, saving the best for last, an episode of Futurama (Episode 4 of season 6) Matt Groening transformed Bender, the main character, as Invader! Read more here.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 8+
On Air
As you reach level eight +, light begins to show through the windows. This level is “On Air.” Here, we get to see the huge banner replicating the summer 2021 project in Côte d’Azur, where Invader invaded the sky!
+ During the summer of 2021, I had a 21-meter-long banner printed and hired the services of a small plane to tow it along the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. I then looked for the best vantage points to photograph this operation because, over the hundreds of kilometres travelled, the plane was only visible for a few seconds from a fixed point. In addition to my team of photographers posted at specific points, I launched a competition on Instagram and I received more than a hundred photos taken by vacationers from the beaches. The banner displayed here is a reproduction at 85% of the size of the original.+
+INVADER (Translated)+
Despite not being full size, the massive black-and-white Invader banner completely dominates the room. It even appears to be moving in waves, as if swaying in the wind. The backdrop of clouds with the plane adds to the immersive scene.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Telescope
On the same level, we can view the 1500 celebratory Paris invasion through a telescope. The mosaic tile, designated PA_1500, is located on the blue air conditioning unit at the iconic Centre Pompidou and can be viewed through a telescope strategically fixed by the window. The telescope provides a clear and unobstructed view of the mosaic tile and inspires our next mission to go and ‘Flash’ via the Flash Invaders App.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Level 9
Invasion Libération
Ascending the final slope, visitors reach the pinnacle of Invader Space Station Level 9, aptly named “Invasion of Libération.” Here, we learn about his invasion of the newspaper Libération in 2011, during which he altered the font and all the letters ‘A’ in the titles and headings.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Invader has also refreshed the “Red, White and Black Space Invader” permanently installed in 2011 on the building’s rooftop terrace, designed to be visible from the sky, paying homage to the cult video game and the French newspaper Libération. The rooftop of the newspaper office, with its square slabs, became the grid of a painting visible from the sky. Catch the video of the installation here.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
+In June 2011, on the occasion of the great Parisian exhibition 1000, I invaded the newspaper Libération by intervening on the font and altering all the letters “A” in the titles and headings. When I went to the newspaper to set up this operation, I discovered that its roof terrace was made up of large square slabs… like pixels. A godsend for me who had been considering for some time creating a work that would be visible from a height. So I immediately set to work and, a few months later, the painting representing a large Invader in the colors of the newspaper’s logo was visible on the Google Earth application, or even from the sky and space.+
+INVADER (Translated)+
This level offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris. The large Invader mural painted on the balcony, with the iconic Eiffel Tower and rooftop views of Paris as a stunning backdrop, is the perfect place to end the space mission. We ‘Flash’ the Libération mosaic Invader PA_992 and earn points on the Flash Invaders app. We also encourage other visitors on board the ISS to make their first flash, especially as this mosaic will become a rare flash.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
Ground Level
EXIT through the Space Shop
As we make our way down the concrete steps to the ground level, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible experience we had on board the Invader Space Station. The architecture and design of the place were simply out of this world – the way the concrete slopes led us to each level, the details of the installations, and the overall immersive atmosphere were cosmic. As we finally reach the ground floor, we can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and longing to stay a little longer on board.
However, as we exited the space shop, we noticed a sticker machine waiting for us. It was an awesome surprise that brought a smile to our faces. We took a closer look at the machine and found a variety of cool and quirky stickers that we could swap with fellow visitors. There were also Vintage Plastic Kinder Toys selected by Invader. It’s a perfect way to keep a piece of the Invader Space Station with us.
Invader Space Station. Image Copyright GraffitiStreet
In addition, various literary works and publications are available, including the milestone ‘1500’ Map of the Paris Invasions and a collection of camouflaged tiles crafted by Invader.
Exit Back to Earth
We’re experiencing an ache of melancholy as we bid farewell to the Invader Space Station, for our mission has been nothing short of exhilarating. Fortunately, we have returned to the lively and dynamic streets of Paris, fully equipped and pumped to explore and capture PA_1500 on the iconic Centre Pompidou building and other invasions we encounter along the way. Read more here.
Earth To Space Station, Do You Copy? Roger That, Earth! Mission Completed
