Critical Review
Binary Code (red) is a signed screen print produced by the daring French street artist Invader in 2007. The print comes in an edition size of 50 and shows a red and white maze-like pattern composed red squares arranged tightly against one another. The print looks like a bar code and resonates strongly with the 8-bit visual register of arcade games. The squares seem to be ordered randomly and it is difficult to discern exactly what is being depicted in the print. When looked at closely it is apparent that some of Invader’s beloved alien characters are lurking amongst the chaotic composition of red squares.
The aliens depicted in Binary Code (red) are inspired by the popular arcade game, Space Invaders, produced by Japanese game manufacturer Taito in 1978. This game has had an undeniable impact on Invader’s artistic career and even inspired the artist’s choice of pseudonym.
The arcade game, Space Invaders, also inspired Invader’s elaborate installation project which has come to be recognised as one of the biggest street art stunts in art history. The project involves Invader travelling all over the world and installing mosaics of aliens onto city walls. Invader has visited over 30 countries and installed thousands of mosaics. The artist has even installed a mosaic in space and one below sea level in Mexico.
