Toytown Germany

It was bound to happen eventually. They first struck Paris in 1998 and have been spreading slowly in all directions ever since. London has been invaded, as has Berlin, Rotterdam, and Geneva. Groovy Damien told me back in February that it was only a matter of time before the urban invasion reaches Munich. And now it has! A space invader was spotted on Odeonsplatz yesterday. And where there's one, there must be more lurking nearby. If you find another, be sure to [email=spaceinvaders@toytowngermany.com" target="_top]let us know[/email]. Send photos if you have 'em. ...

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/space_invader_munich_odeonsplatz.jpg[/img]
Photo by Toytown Munich

Space Invaders are little mosaics made from coloured ceramic tiles. The pixelated images are cemented to public buildings by perpetrators unknown. This is basically graffiti. But of a higher art form. A book has recently been published detailing how to support the invasion. But it's pretty simple. Go to a DIY store such as Obi or Toom. Buy a few ceramic tiles, 2x2cm in size, some cement, and off you go.

The ultimate challenge is to blend into the space that you invade. For example, see the photo below from Paris:

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/space_invader_paris.jpg[/img]
Photo from Space Invaders

Now it all makes sense. Saw one at the Linie 18 tram stop at Max Weber Platz at the weekend. Will try and take a piccie of it when I have a chance.

Stop Vandalism!

People have way too much time on their hands, these days.

Would be interesting to counteract the space-invader mosaics with some kind of gun-mounted space-pod viz the game itself.

heh. i'm no supporter of vandelism, but that space invader thing is kinda funny; almost clever even.

But is it art?

of course its art!

Re is it art...

For me art needs to ask questions, challenge. As yet, the space invader mosaics don't really pose any questions apart from the ones here:

i.e. vandalism v. not vandalism

art v. not art

clever even not clever?

Where's the message? Indeed, so puzzled by the concept was I, that I emailed the group and asked them.

Will share any response I receive.

nice idea,
thanx for the tip

Of course its art! Even the most weakminded starbucks drinker could fathom it. Go pick up a book called 'the art of rebellion'..there is lots of pictures so it shouldn't be too taxing for you.
the-art-of-rebellion.com

Art oder Doch!

@TED
Ok, let's decorate your flat with "art"

@Anonymous: shure, just come over. i'm happy about every color on the 4 grey walls which surround me :-)

Doc, did you really mean to ask the question "but, is it art?" or have you been watching Absolutely Fabulous again?

Vandalism is the utter destruction of something based on the miles wide path of destruction caused by maurauding Vandals. (see google) This is harmless "art" or "non-art" compared to all the miles of posters taped up every day around town. THAT is grafitti plain and simple. This is art because it causes you to think and in this case, has no advertising words attatched to it.

You're wrong, Ozzy
vandalism: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

Check out popaganda.com.

It's art but not as Dr. Brown knows it...

Marty, the comment on vandalism was posted by profundo, not me. But, may I just point out that it would have been a little nicer to say "I do not agree" as opposed to your "you're wrong".

It's a joke. It's a "space invader" see? It's "invading" a "space"? I'l get me coat.