Invader, the elusive street artist known for his pixelated mosaics inspired by the classic arcade game Space Invaders, has painted the urban landscape of over 80 cities worldwide. While his work is celebrated by many as innovative and culturally significant, it is also undeniably illegal in some places where it appears. This raises the question: has Invader ever been arrested?

The Myth

While installing his art, Invader’s arrest has never been captured on camera. To date, there are no verified instances of his imprisonment, but news on his capture. His ability to remain anonymous and avoid capture is a testament to his meticulous planning and execution. Since Invader started installing his mosaics, he often wears a mask under the cover of the night, minimizing the risk of detection. His strategic approach and quick-setting adhesives allow for rapid installation, reducing the chance of being caught in the act.

While Invader has never been publicly identified or apprehended during an installation, he has faced legal challenges. In some cities, authorities have removed his mosaics, labeling them as vandalism. However, these instances have not led to the artist's arrest. Instead, they seem to fuel his determination, as he often returns to re-install his work or create new pieces in the same area.

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the discharge of Invader’s heritage damaging

Close Calls

Back in December of 1999 in Los Angeles, someone told him to stop sticking his mosaics on a ledge of the sidewalk of the road, which led to Invader removing it. We believe that it was a cop or an official authority, leading to one of the rarest occasions, Game Over, as most of Invader’s works are successful.

Click on the above image on Instagram to play the video

In another instance, in Los Angeles as well, Invader was once again stopped by authorities.

In the video, Invader is being chased down by the police and forced to leave the private area after sticking one of his mosaics on the Hollywood sign. A helicopter was even sent out to locate them in the mountains and a cop car was used to track them down. He was eventually sent a ticket and a court session. But somehow, no one knows who is behind the mask. It is believed that Invader at the time was accompanied by another anonymous artist, Banksy.

Invader Bombs Tinseltown -banksyfilm

Imprisonment

According to SCMP, Invader has been put behind bars around 20 times in half a dozen countries but never has he stayed more than 48 hours in a cell. Despite the fact he has been arrested many times, there isn’t any record of his mug shot released anywhere in the news or on the Internet.

It is difficult to jail someone for creating art. Unfortunately, there are still countries where he is not welcomed. An example would be how a gallery owner was arrested, because he worked with Invader, and ended up spending two weeks in jail because he was accused of supporting an urban street artist.

Invader has had numerous of his mosaics removed, either by the government due to legal factors, or by thieves trying to steal his work. Generally speaking, people understand that what he is doing is art, but not a crime. That may be the reason why local authorities and the media pay much respect to the street artist.

I will not face the “death penalty” which would be the only sentence that would stop me from continuing my invasion project.

-Invader

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Invader arrested in New York City

Invader's ability to evade capture is what makes his work so intriguing. Despite the risks associated with street art, he has managed to maintain his anonymity and continue his artistic mission. By avoiding capture, he maintains control over his narrative and the interpretation of his work. This anonymity also allows him to continue creating and installing art without facing legal repercussions that could hinder his creative freedom. Whether this streak of elusiveness will continue remains to be seen. But for now, Invader is still a ghost in the urban landscape, leaving behind a trail of pixelated mosaics for the world to ponder and enjoy.

The myth

close calls

imprisonment