Parisian Artist INVADER Hits New York City!

The invasion has begun!  A few weeks ago the Parisian artist Invader hit the streets of New York as many surprised followers awoke to new mosaic tile art pieces beginning on a building on the lower east side.  The next day, more Invaders, then a few more, then another - you get the idea.  For over two weeks these were placed strategically at the highest points on dozens of local buildings to avoid theft, but attempts were still made.

The artist has built a prominent career over nearly two decades, installing works around the world and it's always especially exciting when he adorns New York City.  He planned to put up 30+ new mosaics all ranging in a variety of sizes and themes - many representing a NYC "theme" of prominent New Yorker.  Some smaller pieces you have to look closely for, especially as they are placed up high, others you can see from an airplane, well maybe not - but they're huge.  (See Joey Ramone below placed in Bushwick, Brooklyn.)  To note, most pieces were installed with permission from property owners.

According to the New York Times, "Invader has installed more than 3,000 pieces in more than 60 cities around the world. There is even a map on his website which track some of his travels, and he has released a smartphone app that lets fans accumulate points by shooting photographs of his work."

Why do the vandals try to remove them?  MONEY.  Each piece is worth thousands as his popularity continues to the likes of Shepard Fairey and Banksy.  A small mosaic piece now runs to the likes of $10-50k, a large piece recently sold at Christie's in Hong Kong for $350k.  Many are now guarded by the building surveillances as well.  

Good luck catching him putting these up, most happen in the middle of the night as he seeks to keep his anonymity under wraps.  While most want fame and try desperately, Invaders response is “usually the anonymous want fame, and famous people seek anonymity,” he said. “I have both. I feel free, both inside and outside from the art world.”   

The hunt has been on since day one for many art and street art enthusiasts as New Yorkers are enjoying the pieces Invader left us in a variety of areas throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and one or two in Jersey City.  Below is a sampling... Also note: photographer credit to Ben L. as he shot many of the photos below.  (We collaborated on this post.)  Enjoy the hunt New Yorkers!

 

You can always find invader here: @invaderwashere on Instagram or on his brilliant blog : http://www.space-invaders.com/home/.  Enjoy the hunt!

Artist Profile: Kristin Pavlick Paints the Domino Sugar Factory

Recently I discovered the enjoyable pop-art work of Philly born, Delray Beach, FL artist Kristin Pavlick and her inspirations of the Domino Sugar Factory. This is also a popular site in Brooklyn, NY where many artists have painting the walk scales of the borders surrounding the old factory.  Pavlick's other huge influence, (as mine) is Andy Warhol and the historical references of "pop art."  

Take a look at her Domino's inspired paintings and learn more about the artist....

When did you first begin perusing art?
As soon as I developed the dexterity in my hands! Some of my first works were done in chocolate pudding. I knew I needed to paint before I knew not to eat the paint.

Who were your favorite or most influential artists?
Roy Lichtenstein + Andy Warhol.   I’m flashing back to a 7th grade report I had to do on Roy (even though I have been known for scribbling outside of the lines)— it was his graphic lines that unnerved me to the point of a lasting impression. To this day, I am constantly looking to balance the straight line with the scribble.

Who is your favorite or most influential artist(s) of all time?
Andy Warhol

Did you study art is school or college, what is your training, or self-taught?
Graduated with an Art Education Degree from Penn State University

From where do you draw inspiration?
Visual Culture—we are swimming in its imagery how can we not study its meaning?

When did you begin the Domino’s Sugar works ?
2015. 

What do you want people to understand or take away form your art?
I attack a canvas from a larger point of view: that it is our responsibility to examine visual culture, instead of just consuming it. In re-contextualizing our culture’s imagery/icons, I want people consider the effects that our everyday imagery influences our behavior.

What is / was your most favorite piece completed so far?
You are only as good as your last painting!

What recent  gallery shows have you participated in?
I just recently had the privileged of participating in the opening of Electrica Gallery Fort Lauderdale, FL.

If you could collaborate with any artist in the world for a painting, who would it be and why?
Jenny Saville. The action her color creates juxtaposed the accuracy of her details is awe-inspiring.

What type of music do u listen to while creating?
Oh man, I’d have to say I’m a little all over the map with music-- you are just as likely to find me rocking out to some oldies tunes as you would reliving my youth with some 90’s music, but lately I have been kind of obsessed with Typhoon.

Your other inspirations?
Books! I love to read. From fact to fiction, if it creeps me out or teaches me about human behavior --I am totally into it.

If you could have dinner with one or two people, dead or alive who would they be and why?
I’d have to go with Andy Warhol-- to pick his brain on Art and Business. And I’d love to sit down with Oprah to soak up her ideas on Success and Impacting Humanity.

“Because The Domino Sugar Building has so graciously greeted my many trips to Baltimore-- I jumped at the thought to create a series around this iconic staple. Not only has it endured years in a skyline, but also stands tall in today’s marketplace. Curious about the power of advertising, I began to look at how Domino Sugar has created a universal following for this white powdery substance. Past ad campaigns spoke to woman’s roles, body ideals, even naming sugar as a healthy source of energy, all of which made for compelling advertising, but at what cost? Time has shown the absurdity of their claims, but it is startling to consider the initial impact. 

My series is a visual narrative, deconstructing vintage Domino Sugar imagery. I have rearranged, re-imagined, and synthesized images in order to explore how perceived truths influence our behavior and ultimately color how we see the world. This series satisfies my larger point of view: that it is our responsibility to examine visual culture, instead of just consuming 'it'.”

To keep up with Kristin look here: @KristinPavlick & www.kristinpavlick.com.