With no real documentation on where or when Space Invader’s mosaic were placed in and around Miami Beach, it is difficult to say how many are in existence. The fact that urban art thieves have joined forces with city maintenance workers in removing these pieces makes it difficult to even document where they are.

This piece by invader is currently located just steps away from the Miami Beach convention Center, where Art Basel 2010 was held. As you can see by these photos, the mosaic was placed over 10 feet high and above a crosswalk signal. Unlike other invader pieces, this one may have some longevity just because it is directly across the street from one of the biggest schools in Miami Beach and frequently patrolled by police.

Read more about Space Invader in Miami.

UPDATE: Just read what I wrote about this piece having some sort of longevity… As of mid-February, this Space Invader Mosaic has been removed.

There’s no doubt that Invader’s (also known as Space Invader) popularity has skyrocketed after the release of “Exit Through the Gift Shop.” However, this French artist is by no means new to the Urban Art scene. Born in 1969, Invader has been using small colored tiles to create mosaics of the Tomohiro Nishikado designed, “Space Invaders” video game since 1998.

Invader’s “Invasion” began in Paris, France and has spread to over 31 cities around the world. He is known for choosing locations for his mosaics that are both highly visible, yet inconspicuous. Invader made a visit to Miami during Art Basel 2010 and although his “Invasion” hasn’t been documented on his website, there is no doubt he was there.

However, as you can see from the last photo in the gallery, the “Invasion” in Miami Beach is quickly fading. I joked with friends on the phone about taking down the Space Invader Mosaic under the Alton Road bridge and keeping it for myself but it seems that someone beat me to it. Looking at the way it was taken down, two things seem pretty obvious. One, the piece wasn’t taken down by the city or else they would’ve cleaned up every tile. Two, whoever took down this Invader mosaic didn’t just go through a tough time to take it down (needing at least a chisel and ladder) but he or she also destroyed the piece in the process.

Space Invader does sell authentic Invader Mosaics in his Space Shop. They usually go for around 200 Euro (300 Euro signed) and sell out fast.