Turning Pixels into Streets: The Art of Invader

Turning Pixels into Streets: The Art of Invader

Have you ever spotted a little pixel-alien on a Parisian wall and thought, “That’s clever”? That’s the work of Invader – a Paris-born artist who took the 8-bit video game aesthetic and invaded public space with it. Wikipedia+2Maddox Gallery+2

From Arcade Game to Street Alias

Invader (believed to be French, born 1969) studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Urban Nation+1 Post-school, he decided the gallery world wasn’t for him — so he hit the streets. Using ceramic tiles to mirror the pixel look of old games like Space Invaders, he began placing mosaics in Paris around 1998. Wikimedia Deutschland+1

What Makes His Work Tick

• Mosaic + Pixel: The technique is deceptively simple — small square tiles assembled into forms that recall 8-bit game sprites. Wikipedia+1

• Public Invasion: He treats the city as a game board. Each piece is part of what he calls an invasion — placed clandestinely, often at night, across walls, buildings and even high or hidden spots. Wikipedia+1

• Global Reach: His “aliens” show up in dozens of cities. Paris remains the heart, but they appear in Tokyo, New York, Berlin and more. Maddox Gallery

Examining the Practice

Tools & Process Snapshot

• Tiles and adhesives: He uses ceramic (and sometimes glass) tiles. Each piece is designed for its spot — size, colour and context matter. Wikipedia

• Location strategy: Many works are deliberately placed high, or in tricky spots, to resist removal and upgrade the cityscape. The New Yorker

• Documentation: After installation he records the piece — date, address, photo — and often publishes "invasion maps" listing the locations. Space Invaders

Iconic Moves

• One of his largest works in Paris was installed above the Place d’Italie in 2024 — a massive mosaic visible from afar.

• An artwork aboard the International Space Station: his piece “Space2” shows ambition beyond city walls. Space Invaders+1

Why It’s More Than Fun

Invader’s art does two big things:

1. It makes you look at the urban environment differently — you might walk past a building you’ve seen hundreds of times and only then notice the mosaic tucked in.

2. It raises subtle questions: What makes something belong in public space? Why reuse a video game icon? How does play relate to urban culture?

Quick Facts

• Alias: Invader (real name not publicly confirmed)

• Born: 1969, Paris, France

• Artistic start: Late 1990s, Paris streets

• Medium: Ceramic tile mosaics, “Rubikcubism” (art made of Rubik’s Cubes) Wikipedia+1

• Style notes: Pixelated, playful, often referencing pop-culture and video-games

• Locations: Over 4,000 pieces globally (as of 2020) Artsy

Want to Spot His Work?

When you’re in Paris (or other cities), keep your eyes up and open: look for small square-tile mosaics, in alleys, on rooftops, or at unusual heights. Because part of the fun is finding them.

Final Thought

Invader reminds us that street art isn’t only about spray-paint and tags — it can be playful, game-inspired, global and subversive all at once. These pixel-mosaics invite us to hunt, observe, game the city. And maybe the next time you pass a plain wall, you’ll see something you never noticed before.