Gauntlet Gallery — Invader Print Index
Matrix Skate Deck
Summary
Matrix Skate Deck is a 2005 collaboration between Invader and French company Mekanism Skateboards, limited to 100 numbered copies at 80 x 20 cm. For the project Invader created a real mosaic, which was then photographed and printed onto each board, giving the carte-blanche edition a direct link to his physical mosaic practice.
Why It Matters
The deck translates Invader's core street medium, the tile mosaic, onto a functional object outside the print-on-paper norm. That an actual mosaic was made and photographed for the design connects the edition to his hands-on process, while the carte-blanche framing gave the artist full creative control over a limited-run collectible.
Collector Perspective
Numbered to 100, the deck appeals to both Invader collectors and skate-art crossover buyers. As a functional object, unridden and undamaged examples with intact graphics are the most desirable. The mosaic-derived imagery gives it distinct standing among the artist's non-print editions.
Historical Context
Mekanism Skateboards gave Invader carte blanche for this 2005 limited board, part of a broader wave of artist-designed skate decks in the mid-2000s. Invader's choice to build and photograph a genuine mosaic for the graphic ties the collaboration back to his signature street methodology.
FAQ
How was the design made?
Invader created a real mosaic, which was photographed and printed onto each board.
How many decks exist?
The edition is limited to 100 numbered copies.
Who produced it?
French company Mekanism Skateboards, which gave Invader carte blanche for the design.
What matters for condition?
As a functional object, unridden decks with intact, undamaged graphics are the most collectible.
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.