MOZAÏK H2O
Announcing the newest installationof the Arts & Theatre District’s
public art program – the 42 foot photographic mural


The Downtown Rideau B.I.A. (Business improvement Area) in partnership with Novotel Hotel Ottawa, Ottawa Arts Court Foundation and local artist Jean Rène; unveil Mr. Rène’s Mozaik H20 mural tomorrow, Thursday, July 27, 6:00 p.m. at the Novotel Hotel, 33 Nicholas Street in Downtown Rideau. Ottawa-Vanier riding MPP, the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs and Minister of Community and Social Services will provide the evening’s opening remarks.

“This joint cultural initiative supports the B.I.A.’s vision to promote and nurture Downtown Rideau as Ottawa's Arts & Theatre District -- where a sense of "theatre and excitement abounds" and is reflected visually through public art, street furnishings, buildings, signage, lighting, tenants and décor. Essentially, we want to build an arts-appreciative community here in Downtown Rideau”, says Peggy DuChamre, Executive Director, Downtown Rideau
B.I.A.

The Mozaik H20 mural is the brainchild of highly-acclaimed hybrid digital photographer Jean René. It is installed on the southwest corner of the Novotel Hotel at the highly visible Nicholas Street/Daly Avenue intersection -- opposite Arts Court, the city’s downtown municipal arts centre. This cultural project, which has been two years in the making, is believed to be Canada’s tallest work of art made from digital fine art pixels.

René and his team of over 60 volunteers at Human Mozaïk began working on the mural during the 2004 Ottawa Fringe Festival (based annually at Arts Court). The mural consists of three underwater images. Each image consists of hundreds of smaller images from the underwater photography sessions. 57 semi-nude models wrapped in vibrant coloured fabric participated in the sessions. The final mural measures 14 feet wide by 42 feet tall and consists of 4,536 individual photos. “Novotel, being in the Arts & Theatre District, is a magnificent venue amongst the downtown urban landscape, and is the perfect location for everyone to see this new creation,” said René. “The hotel immediately understood the vision, and did not hesitate to join the B.I.A. and us on this project.”


The unveiling will also be highlighted by a new face in Downtown - Novotel’s head chef, Scott Lucas. Chef Lucas is changing the menu at Novotel’s popular restaurant, Café Nicole, to reflect the sophistication of Ottawa diners. “We are proud to be able to share the art of our talented new chef as well as the art of Jean René,” says Rafael Ballester, General Manager, Novotel Ottawa. “While the new menu offers patrons trendy, upscale choices beyondthe standard hotel restaurant flair, Chef Lucas has created a special menu for the event drawing on the mural’s theme.”