MARS_73. MARSEILLE, 2020 © INVADER
The show is the latest project for the MAMO arts centre whose annual summer commission has given artists such as Daniel Buren, Dan Graham, and Alex Israel, among others, carte-blanche to work around Marseille. MAMO hosts the artists at the converted gymnasium on top of Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse, Invader utilised the space as a strategic secret studio to develop his site-specific installations. Each mosaic directs viewers towards MAMO where Invader’s studio is now on public view with an abundance of maps, drawings, tools, masks and costumes truly demonstrating ‘Invader was here’.
ALIAS LDN-01, CERAMIC TILES/RESIN, 1999
Installing over 80 mosaics in a crowded city in the middle of summer highlights Invader’s ability to work surreptitiously. The instantly recognisable artworks have been placed within a photogenic, urban framework, bringing new life to the city’s architecture. With over 700,000 followers on Instagram, Invader has a dedicated following, with many of his fans using his ‘Flashinvaders’ app to capture and share images of his works worldwide.
MARS_71. MAESEILLE, 2020 © INVADER.
Along with his signature Space invaders, many of the mosaics highlight regional themes as well as icons from popular culture including the football player Zinedine Zidane, and the 20th century singer and actor Fernandel.
INVASION RED, SCREENPRINT, 2010
Each mosaic is unique in terms of colour, composition and size – all designed and influenced by the spirit and culture of Marseille. The pixelated mosaics are an ode to the seaside town, decorated in shades of blues and contrasted with white. As well as his app, a dedicated “Invasion Map” also makes it possible to follow the artist's footsteps in town, and to visualise the extent of the intervention.
Installation view, “Invader was here,” MAMO Marseille Modulor, 2020 © Invader.
MARS_62. Marseille, 2020 © Invader.
MARS_39. Marseille, 2020 © Invader.
MARS_27. Marseille, 2020 © Invader.
