Since the end of the 1990s, the French street artist Invader has dotted the streets around the world with his mosaic works, inspired by the pixelated characters from the video game Space Invaders. Meeting with a mysterious artist during an exhibition at Paris.
Invader, the most famous of the anonymous (he insists on remaining incognito) transforms the walls of cities into art galleries and giant playgrounds. Some of his works are presented in Paris during the exhibition Beyond the Streets on graffiti and street art, alongside those of Damien Hirst, JR, André…
Madame Figaro. – Your current state of mind?
Invader. – I am galvanized by the extent of possibilities that open to me: my artistic freedom remains total. But a dissatisfaction pursues me. This is what pushes an artist to move forward: striving for perfection. An unattainable quest in essence.
Skip the ad
Do you act?
In parallel with the French edition of Beyond the Streetsbringing together the big names in graffiti and street art, I am participating in an exhibition dedicated to music and video games at the Philharmonie de Paris. I also just finished a new book, Invasion Tokyo. And, more generally, I continue to create, innovate and push my own limits, day after day.
When I started, many people thought we were a group of artists. Today, it is understood that I am only one person.
Invader
Comment naît un Space Invader ?
When a place catches my eye, I imagine a piece for that location – one that can resonate with the neighborhood, the name of the street or the space in question. I will then install it, in the middle of the night.
Is the best Space Invaders always the last?
Yes, often. This is all the more true as I really like my latest pieces at the Philharmonie de Paris – a superb setting –, produced at their invitation. There are Space Invaders carrying notes, but also figures from the history of music like the Velvet Underground, Barbara or even Daft Punk, 5 meters high.
Your character?
Invader is mysterious, hyperactive, insatiable and passionate.
Talking about yourself on promotion, a chore?
To tell the truth, I rarely talk about myself, but rather about my work. As for my promotion, it turns out to be very rock’n’roll, because I’m off the beaten track. And I especially reveal my news on my Instagram account.
Skip the ad
A misunderstanding about you?
When I started, many people thought we were a group of artists. Today, it is understood that I am only one person.
Do you still have the sacred fire?
Oh yes, otherwise I would stop everything. I am the first spectator of my creations, and I constantly try to marvel.
More than a criticism, I appreciate when people discover my work in depth.
Invader
A street artist à connaître ?
Californian Shepard Fairey, known as Obey. He is a long-time friend, and I appreciate his personality as much as his work. Besides, I have just held a major exhibition in London with him and Damien Hirst, for which we created works with 4 and 6 hands. Such a collaboration is very rare, even unprecedented, it was a wonderful experience.
What do you think when you look in the mirror in the morning?
“Go and accomplish your tasks for the day.â€
What do you like people to say about you?
“But when will it stop?†The answer being: “Never.†When you embark on such an artistic project, it is for life.
Also read
ATELIERS DUCHEMINÂ: because stained glass, an architectural and light object, is an art
Skip the ad
The last time you were proud of yourself?
Every time I finish a project, because I always invest 100%. This can take the form of the invasion of a new city, an exhibition, a new work…
The review that makes you happy?
More than a criticism, I appreciate when people discover my work in depth. Let them not just say to themselves: “He makes little mosaics on street corners.” This is only the visible part of the iceberg.
What are you going to do after this interview?
Return to work.
Beyond the Streetsfounded by Roger Gastman, curator, who will be accompanied in the capital by Sarah Andelman, co-curator of the exhibition. Until August 30, in the Grande Halle de la Villette, hall 3, 211, avenue Jean-Jaurès, 75019 Paris.
