Discover Invader’s 8-Bit Street Art Across London
The enigmatic French street artist known as Invader has left an indelible mark on London’s urban landscape since the turn of the century with his distinctive 8-bit, mosaic tile-based artworks. Specializing in simple video game characters, often reminiscent of Space Invaders, his creations are easily recognizable and each piece is cataloged with a unique identifier, similar to Mozart’s Köchel numbers, such as LDN-166. London has been subject to multiple “invasion waves,” with over 75 pieces by 2007 and a total of 166 now documented, though Paris boasts over 1,000.
The latest, 20th wave of Invader’s art was installed in October 2025, coinciding with his ‘Triple Trouble’ group show at Newport Street Gallery alongside Shepard Fairey and Damien Hirst. Notable recent additions include LDN-163, a special piece on Lexington and Brewer Streets depicting Hirst, Invader, and Fairey in his signature style, and other works on Tottenham Court Road and Soho. These installations contribute to the city’s vibrant street art scene, offering a unique urban scavenger hunt for enthusiasts who obsessively track down each artwork.
However, the nature of street art comes with inherent risks. While some early installations like LDN-31 on Wardour Street endure, others have been removed or stolen. A poignant example is LDN-132, a famous Star Wars-themed mosaic in Shoreditch, which was sadly lost. Similarly, LDN-140 and LDN-141, once housed in the old Museum of London, face an uncertain future. Despite these losses, the diversity of Invader’s work is evident in pieces like the large LDN-149 in Walthamstow, the split LDN-162 on Lexington Street, or the elaborate LDN-155 portraying Vivienne Westwood on King’s Road. These enduring and evolving installations highlight Invader’s lasting cultural impact on global cities.
