Traditional Art: Street Artist Invader’s Paintings and Drawings
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Invader, the anonymous French street artist, is famous for his pixelated mosaics crafted from ceramic tiles. These vibrant creations, inspired by classic video games, have invaded cityscapes worldwide, transforming urban environments into galleries’ walls. But have you ever wondered whether a graduate from École des Beaux-Arts has ever created a painting, or a painting; on the streets or in his studio? These intriguing possibilities invite us to explore how Invader's artistic evolution continues to captivate and surprise the general public.
The Traditional Approach
For years, Invader's signature style has involved assembling small, colored tiles into intricate mosaics for his Global Space Invasion. These installations are often placed in unexpected places, challenging viewers to engage with their surroundings and discover art in their day-to-day commutes. Each piece is carefully designed to interact with its environment, adding layers of meaning and context to the already interesting mosaics.
The idea of Invader venturing into street painting presents an exciting shift from his traditional medium. Paintings offer a different set of challenges and possibilities, allowing for larger-scale works and more fluid designs. This new approach can bring a more dynamic, immediate quality to his art, contrasting with the precision of his mosaics.
And the truth is, he did indeed create paintings ages ago…
In 1999, Invader once painted the underground system of Paris. However, we are uncertain what part of the tunnels he was painting, whether it is the transit system or the sewer system, we have no idea.
Made with a black ink marker on a closet door in 2001, it is one of the oldest pieces that feature something other than ceramic tiles.
Varanasi
VRN_03
VRN_12
Back in 2008, Varanasi in India was invaded. Invader had made many regular mosaics, most of which are kept, incorporating the Indian culture. However, some painted advertisements made locally along the Ganges River were invaded in a way where Invader added his personal touch to the existing urban landscape with the help of a wall painter. These street mosaics are special because they are made of paint and are unnamed and uncoded.
As a side note, the tile mosaic VRN_12, is a QR Code that redirects to a message saying “I invade Varanasi, 03/2008”. Currently, it is not working anymore due to the expiry of the QR Code. But the fact that such designs with strict and perfect requirements are acquired proves the skill Invader possesses.
Brussels
Back in 2011, in Brussels, Invader participated in the Libération newspaper. Invader created a painting on their office’s terrace with square-shaped tiles on the floor, seemingly ready for a large-sized mosaic in addition to the invaded letter “a”s on the 11th and 12th of the June edition of the magazine. After asking for their approval, the artist arrived with paints and rollers, then invaded the platform of the former office of the French newspaper. Amazingly, although they have moved, the mosaic remained and is presently visible in all Maps application that provides satellite photos.
In addition, four years later, Invader hand-painted the front page of the Libération newspapers, which later got auctioned off with all the proceeds donated to Reporters sans Frontières. It is unsure what the medium was, but the piece was definitely one-of-a-kind.
Into the White Cube
In the exhibition Into the White Cube at Over The Influence, Los Angeles in 2018, there were a handful of paintings created by Invader. They were all created solely for the exhibition, creating a pixelated aesthetic by taping off the edges and painting with acrylic on canvas.
Random Drawings
Homework Print
At times, Invader creates drawings that are rarely showcased to the public. One exception is the Homework Print, made with a red and black pen on gridded paper, then reproduced into the Prints that we could easily enjoy.
Conclusion
If Invader has fully embraced painting, it could mark a significant evolution in his artistic journey. This move might attract new audiences and offer fresh perspectives on his work. The fluidity of painting could enable him to explore themes and narratives in ways previously unexplored, enriching the urban art landscape.
While Invader's iconic mosaics continue to enchant, the prospect of him creating paintings on the streets opens up exciting possibilities. Whether this shift becomes a reality or remains a tantalizing rumor, it underscores Invader's enduring ability to innovate and inspire. As we await confirmation, the art world watches eagerly, ready to embrace the next chapter of Invader's creative evolution.
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We do not own any copyrights to the photos used
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All rights reserved ~ We do not own any copyrights to the photos used ~
