Gauntlet Gallery — Invader Print Index
Invasion Kit #09 (Hypnotic Vienna) (Unsigned)
Summary
Invasion Kit #09 (Hypnotic Vienna) is a 2008 Space Shop release in the artist's build-it-yourself mosaic series. Measuring roughly 12 x 17 cm and issued in an edition of 150 unsigned, the kit references Invader's invasion of Vienna and supplies the ceramic tiles needed to assemble one of his pixel characters by hand.
Why It Matters
Each city-specific Invasion Kit documents a chapter of Invader's global campaign, and Vienna marks one stop on that map. The "Hypnotic" designation points to the optical, repeating quality of the design. As with the whole series, the kit's value lies in giving collectors the tactile experience of constructing a mosaic tile by tile.
Collector Perspective
Complete, unbuilt kits with intact packaging are the benchmark for condition. The city tie to Vienna appeals to collectors assembling the Invasion Kit series geographically. At an edition of 150 unsigned, supply is finite but not tiny; the parallel signed edition is scarcer. Confirm all tiles are present and the kit is unassembled before purchase.
Historical Context
Released in 2008, this kit belongs to the run of Invasion Kits Invader issued through his own Space Shop as the street project matured into an internationally recognized practice. The series ran city by city, and Vienna's inclusion reflects the expanding geographic reach of the invasions during the late 2000s.
FAQ
What does 'Hypnotic Vienna' refer to?
It ties the kit to Invader's Vienna invasion, with 'Hypnotic' evoking the optical, repeating character of the mosaic design.
How many were produced?
This is the unsigned edition of 150; a smaller signed edition also exists for the series.
What is included?
The kit contains the ceramic tiles and materials to assemble one of Invader's space-invader mosaics, sized about 12 x 17 cm.
About the Artist
Invader (born 1969, France) is a pseudonymous French urban artist known for installing mosaic works inspired by 1970s-80s arcade video games, most famously the aliens from Space Invaders. Since the late 1990s he has "invaded" cities worldwide, cementing tile mosaics onto walls and mapping each installation as part of a global game. His studio output extends the pixel aesthetic into prints, "Rubikcubism" works made from Rubik's Cubes, aluminum pieces, and alias-signed editions. He remains anonymous, appearing publicly only masked.
Collecting Invader at Gauntlet Gallery
What Invader works can I collect?
Beyond street mosaics, Invader releases signed, numbered editions — screenprints, giclées, aluminum and Rubikcubism works — plus his "Invasion Kits." Signed and numbered studio editions are the collectible core. Gauntlet Gallery focuses on complete, well-preserved impressions with documentation.
How is an Invader piece authenticated?
We sell Invader works with documented provenance and the edition's signature and numbering. Each piece is photographed exactly as it ships, including signature and edition details, so you can verify before buying.
What drives value?
Medium (unique Rubikcubism and aluminum works over open prints), edition size, iconic imagery, condition, and provenance all shape price. Hand-made and low-numbered pieces command the strongest premiums.