The urban artist for these "space invaders" is called simply "Invader" and guards closely his identity. These mosaics were started in Paris in the mid-90s where he lives and they are found in 31 other cities in France. He calls the installation an "invasion" and creates books and maps for the specific locations.
I have been photographing them for years but the thrill is not so much in the shot (I mean it's not like they are going to run off while you focus and set the F-stop) but it is the discovery itself. So, I will not have a regular display of these guys* made of durable ceramic tile but thought you would like to see how carefully the ivy has been trimmed around this one found in Montmartre.
*unless I start running short on photos
On my first blog (Fragments bleus, see on my sidebar) I used to picture them often! It's such a thrill to find one!I like the idea of this artist, it's fun and does not destroy things behind.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I've seen quite a few Space Invaders around Paris but I don't remember this one.
ReplyDeleteTu as eu raison, Genie, de faire cette photo. C'est intéressant. Et puis, une fois de plus, on se rend compte que Paris sans Montmartre n'est pas Paris.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, and it's not as if they're too big or ugly, would be fun to come across unintentionally. Ahh! Montmartre one of the best places to view Paris don't you agree Genie.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the background information on these, Genie. They always cheer me up whenever I spot one. Hoorah for Invader!
ReplyDeleteWould you call that guerilla art? Impulsive beautification? Hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteThat looks good an invador, thanks for charing, hadn't heard about it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea Genie, great for kids.
ReplyDeleteGreat finder you are!
ReplyDeleteI like a lot the funny sign!
Léia
This one is small, glad that some one goes trough the trouble of keeping it 'clean' and visible.. glad a photographer passed by, noticed it, shot it, posted it ...
ReplyDeleteThey're pretty much everywhere now.
ReplyDeleteFun, fun, fun. We recently watched a documentary on street art like this--it was fabulous.
ReplyDeleteMontmartre is so generous, it receives great skaters and crazy artists.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Valery
Barcelona Daily Photo
Kind of weird too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a kooky little thing, thanks for sharing this. There's a guy in NYC who paints the word "moustache" in very distinct script on faces featured in subway posters. I think he's pretty talented myself, and you can never be sure you'll see any of his "moustaches," so it's fun when you do. Unfortunately, he was just arrested for this, which I find depressing. I hope they let him go and focus on far worse offenses on the subway.
ReplyDeleteOh 'he's" a cutie alright. Not seen the style around Paris. I have a few myself but I may have already posted them.
ReplyDeleteV
je ne suis pas fan des envahisseurs dans les endroits un peu trop vieux
ReplyDeleteI love how Paris is open to quirkiness. I'll bet Invader will never be arrested the way the poor "moustache man" was here in NYC! Thanks for all the info, Genie!
ReplyDeleteI love them!! Wish we had them here! Thanks for sharing these, Genie! Like Alexa, I love how Paris is so open quirkiness!! Terrific! Hope your week is going well, mon ami! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
What a fun thing to do. I had never seen them before today.
ReplyDeleteI have never noticed these before. Funny story. I will also enjoy discovering them with you!
ReplyDeletePS: I am sending this comment from the comfort of my sofa on my very own internet connection!!!
Yes, it is kind of clever and cool, but if he put one on my property, it would be gone by noon. OK, OK, I am an admitted old fuddy duddy.
ReplyDeleteMalyss -- I found them on your first blog! You have quite a collection. They are now found in cities around the world.
ReplyDeleteJames -- I like the small ones that sneak up on you
Richard -- Oui, c'est vrai... merci
Grace -- I have grown to love Montmartre but you have to get beyond the tourists to appreciate it
dive -- I enjoy the "hunt"... merci, mon ami!
Bear -- I think that it is called "urban art" and not loved by all
biebkriebels -- I wonder if they are in your country? perhaps...
Picturit -- I think that it is a fun "find-it" for kids on vacation in Paris. I have sent several families with "scavenger hunt" lists for their kids in Paris
Léia -- I am certain with all of your travels that you will find one
anni -- I have seen photos of some in other places that are just too big (in my opinion)
Starman -- Photos, please...
AA -- This artist is actually sanctioned by the city before he (or she?) goes in. I think that there are some cities in which this would not be welcome
Valery -- You are absolutely correct... There is always something going on here! (There are some in Barcelona, too!)
Birdman -- Yes, a bit goofy...
Jill -- I did not know about the guy in NYC but will check it out!!
Virginia -- Let's go back and find some more...
Bergson -- Oui, mon ami, je comprends
Alexa -- Arrested! Quelle horreur!
Sylvia -- I think that there are some in San Diego -- The week is going well. Merci!
Loree -- They are scattered all over Europe but I hope you understand when I say that I would not like to see them in Malta
Halcyon -- Are we going to Paris? When? I'm ready! So glad that you have the luxury (hah) of your very own internet connection
Jack -- I bet you do not have a pink flamingo lawn ornament either, now do you?
What an awesome find!
ReplyDeleteCool! I recently saw a documentary about the guys and gals who perform these 'acts of vandalism' -- can't remember the name. Interesting group of artists.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen a documentary film called "Exit Through the Gift Shop"? It's about street art and Invader features heavily in it.
ReplyDeleteThis Invader thing is so cool! There are so many on the streets of Paris.
ReplyDeleteAlan, I have not seen that but would love to learn more about this artist and others whose art I have captured on the streets of Paris. Merci!
ReplyDeleteStan, perhaps this is what your were referring to?
Randy and JM - Merci!