French artist's Malaga space invasion investigated

The Junta de Andalucía has opened an investigation to determine whether works by French artist Invader, which have appeared on buildings and walls around Malaga, are damaging the citys historical heritage.

The artist, who has not revealed his identity nor his face on social media, has installed 29 pieces around the city, but some say he went a step too far when installing his latest piece on the Palacio Episcopal, which is listed as a Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). This led the Diocese of Malaga to lodge a complaint, which in turn has sparked a Local Police investigation into possible criminal damage caused by the mosaics.

The Frenchmans mosaics mainly represent the space invaders from the video arcade games that were popular in the 80s and 90s.

Little else is known about the street artist, except from the fact that he was born in 1969 and studied at a Fine Arts institution in Paris.

The artist was contacted by the Malaga Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) some time ago when he was in Paris, resulting in an agreement which would see him set up an exhibition as part of the urban art project MAUS, as well as displaying art at the port.

However, before fulfilling these obligations, the Frenchman decided to come to the city unannounced to leave his unique mark.

In the last few weeks he has invaded Calle San Agustín and Calle Santa María, as well as the wall of the Pablo Picasso promenade out to the east of Malaga with his urban artwork.

Malaga is just one of 71 cities worldwide to receive his mosaics, which globally total close to 3,500.

While the artworks have caused excitement among fans, the reaction of the Diocese of Malaga was not so favourable, demanding that the work be removed.

The police are also looking into the involvement of the CAC and its director Fernando Francés, who is seen on social media meeting with Invader and has since suggested that Invaders work might be much more important than the Bishops Palace.