Area Invader taking on Paris!
Have you ever ever strolled by Paris and seen colourful mosaics or pixelated characters? They’re Area Invaders, although many don’t notice what they’ve seen. These mosaics are in all places—tucked into avenue corners, on bridges, and even on monuments just like the Eiffel Tower.
I’ve been obsessive about them for years. Looking them down has turn out to be my favourite technique to discover the town. I can’t stroll by Paris with out glancing up or wanting again, hoping to identify a brand new one. With over 1,400 scattered throughout the town, every discovery appears like a small victory.
However should you’ve seen these little pixel artwork items and questioned, What are they? Who made them? Why are they right here?—you’re not alone. Let’s break down the story behind this fascinating, worldwide avenue artwork undertaking and see why it’s captured the hearts of individuals like me throughout the globe.
And I additionally share how one can flip your subsequent stroll in Paris right into a enjoyable treasure hunt!
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning skilled and parisienne since 2006 🩷
The Starting: The primary Area Invasion
The primary Area Invader mosaic appeared in Paris in 1998. The mysterious artist, recognized solely as Invader, selected pixelated characters from the 1978 online game Area Invaders as his inspiration. For many who grew up within the ’80s or ’90s, these designs set off nostalgia—a throwback to early arcade video games and their blocky graphics.
However not like most avenue artwork, these items aren’t painted or spray-canned. Invader creates them utilizing small, colourful tiles organized into mosaics. And every one in every of these “invasions” is fastidiously documented and cataloged.
Invader: The Artist is a Thriller
One of many intriguing elements of the Area Invader undertaking is that nobody is aware of who Invader is. He operates underneath a pseudonym, fastidiously hiding his identification regardless of his rising fame.
What we do know: Invader is a classically educated artist who has managed to stay nameless for over 25 years. And there’s nearly no week, the place he isn’t putting in no less than one new Area Invader Artwork someplace on the planet.
He does have a small staff, however he primarily is working alone. Area Invader is a one artist work.
How Invader took over Paris—and the World
Invader isn’t an artwork undertaking that’s restricted to Paris. Whereas the artists’ work is most concentrated right here, Invaders attain is international. Over time, he has “invaded” greater than 80 cities throughout 30 international locations.
You’ll discover his items in New York, Tokyo, Kathmandu, Los Angeles, underwater within the Cancun Bay in Mexico, and even in house on the Worldwide Area Station (ISS).
Invader’s undertaking is half artwork, half treasure hunt, and half city intervention. Every mosaic is strategically positioned, largely unauthorized, and mixing into the structure of cities worldwide.
Some are small and simply missed, whereas others—particularly newer ones—might be huge.
The Flash Invader App: A Treasure Hunt for Artwork
As somebody who’s fallen in love with these items, I can let you know it’s addictive. It began small—I’d spot a pair throughout informal walks round Paris or whereas sightseeing.
Quickly sufficient, I discovered myself actively searching them, particularly after I downloaded the Flash Invaders App. Now, it even occurs that plan complete biking routes by Paris, mapping out paths to seize as many Invaders as doable alongside the best way.
The app is a sport designed by Invader himself, and it’s pretty merely. All you want is a smartphone and an web connection. And the most effective: It’s one of many free issues you are able to do in Paris.
And as soon as you see an invader within the wild, to open the app and flash it. Carried out. Will probably be added to your private assortment, along with a rating.
Tip: In case you are unsure the right way to keep related whereas in France, try Gigsky. I used them on my latest journey, and it was low cost & dependable.
It’s extremely participating, and now that I’m hooked, I discover myself noticing a lot extra round me. I now not simply stroll from level A to level B—I’m at all times wanting round, actively scanning my environment.
Due to this, I’ve found spectacular avenue artwork in Paris that I’d have utterly missed earlier than. However it’s not simply artwork—I’ve began noticing charming particulars on buildings, quirky little additions, and wonderful window decorations.
Town feels stuffed with hidden gems, all ready to be discovered.
Tip: It’s a really participating exercise for youths and youngsters as properly. Possibly these guides are useful for you as properly:
There’s a complete group of “flashers” like me, continuously scouring the streets for brand spanking new mosaics. Each time Invader posts a few new location —usually on Fb or Instagram — you might be certain many are out attempting to catch it asap.
I don’t wanna brag, okay, possibly a bit of, however In Paris alone, I’ve scanned over 500 items. Nonetheless, my assortment stretches past one metropolis. I’ve tracked down Invaders in New York, Amsterdam, and Tokyo, the place the mosaics mix fantastically into fully totally different city landscapes.
Listed below are my scores:
Wrap Up: Area Invaders
Area Invaders have remodeled how I see and expertise Paris. What began as a playful hunt for pixelated mosaics become a deeper appreciation for the town’s vibrant avenue artwork and hidden particulars.
Whether or not you’re an area or a customer, exploring Paris by the lens of those Invaders gives a novel technique to have interaction with the town, turning on a regular basis walks into thrilling treasure hunts.
Subsequent time you’re wandering by Paris, search for, and also you would possibly simply spot a brand new Invader. And who is aware of? It might be the beginning of your individual obsession.
Don’t hesitate and observe my profile on the app, it’s salutfromparis
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Professional in: Parisian Life &
French Tradition, Journey
Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks
Be part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Lodges in Europe I largely guide by Reserving.com (test critiques fastidiously)
- Trip Leases by Airbnb or VRBO
Excursions & Points of interest:
- I guide excursions & actions by Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets might be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re typically offered out.
- I like the GoCity Journey Passes for straightforward planning
- I take advantage of Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You doubtless want a journey adapter to plug your units.
- Journey Insurance coverage – should you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an efficient possibility.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.