Print Report Focus: Invader

Prints and editions, often underestimated by the media, are increasingly important in the art world, with a significant number of items sold at auction in the past decade. This market shows great potential, making it an attractive starting point for new collectors. Given this context, we turn our attention to the influential artist Invader, whose innovative approach to prints and editions provides a compelling case study for understanding the dynamics and potential of this burgeoning market.

Invader Overview

Little is known about Invader's background or education due to the artist's anonymity. He gained public attention in the late 1990s with the emergence of mosaic Space Invaders on Parisian streets. Inspired by the 1978 Atari game, Invader's creations expanded beyond mere aliens to encompass a diverse array of 8-bit characters worldwide. Despite his preference for public spaces, he began showcasing his work in group and solo exhibitions by the early 2000s. In 2024, he unveiled his most ambitious exhibition yet.

Invader's work has seen a surge in demand, thanks to various factors such as his globally acclaimed street art, successful exhibitions, and ambitious projects. His anonymity and nostalgic style have also sparked curiosity.

In the print market, Invader's popularity continues to soar. Auction prices for his prints have risen by 40% since 2018 and an impressive 1124% since 2008.

Moreover, there has been a sharp rise in the number of Invader's prints sold at auction. Between 2015 and 2022, there was a staggering 1009% increase, with a further 130% increase observed between 2019 and 2022.

Invader Print Sales by Region

Between 2018 and 2023, Invader's print sales at auction were particularly notable in the UK, which led in both total sales turnover, reaching ￡802,409, and volume of lots sold, with 157 print lots. France followed closely with ￡711,973 in sales turnover and 168 lots sold. Japan and the US trailed behind with ￡459,166 and ￡119,175 in turnover, respectively. Hong Kong and Australia each had total sales under ￡100,000.

France sold the most lots, 168, with the UK following closely behind at 157. Japan sold 80 lots, while the US, Hong Kong, and Australia sold fewer than 30 lots each.

In 2023 alone, the UK maintained its lead, boasting both the highest turnover (￡355,500) and volume of lots sold (67). This marked a significant shift from 2022, where France led in both categories. The UK experienced remarkable growth in the Invader market from 2018 to 2023, with a 298% increase in print sales turnover and a 219% increase in lot volume sold.

For more in depth analysis on Invader's prints, download our latest Print Report Vol. 02 here: https://maddoxgallery.com/art-investment-reports.

Written by Giovana Edid, Maddox Director of Research, Data and Analytics, is a passionate art researcher and analyst with twelve years of experience in the international art investment sector. Her areas of expertise include economic analysis of the marketplace, examination protocols, professional appraisals adhering to provenance due diligence and the USPAP standards.