French artist Invader brings his works to the streets of Hong Kong
In a city of protests, French street artist Invader is an unlikely 40-something rebel with a cause. His works in white-walled galleries can fetch upwards of HK$3 million, but it is the 3D mosaics featuring his signature motif - a Space Invader alien from the seminal 1970s arcade game - which he creates in the gritty nooks and crannies of urban streetscapes that have captivated fans since 1998.
In a city of protests, French street artist Invader is an unlikely 40-something rebel with a cause.
His works in white-walled galleries can fetch upwards of HK$3 million, but it is the 3D mosaics featuring his signature motif - a Space Invader alien from the seminal 1970s arcade game - which he creates in the gritty nooks and crannies of urban streetscapes that have captivated fans since 1998.
For the past 11 days, he has been "invading" Hong Kong with more than 35 works spread all over the city for passers-by to discover.
"An artist is a bit of a rebel; you don't follow the establishment and you have to disturb the system a little, but in a good way," Invader said yesterday, speaking exclusively, and in disguise, to the Sunday Morning Post, just hours after finishing one of his biggest illegal outdoor works - in Central.
"I don't try to damage the walls of the city, I try to add something new and nice and I think the people of Hong Kong are receptive to this."
His latest piece, measuring several metres high and wide, is on a pylon under a walkway going towards the Central piers.