Mozaïk Civilization mural puts a fresh face on Canada's most popular museumGatineau, Quebec, May 4, 2006 — Since its birth a century and a half ago, the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) has helped shape Canadian identity. Now, as part of the activities to mark its 150th anniversary, the Museum is celebrating that Canadian identity with Mozaïk Civilization, a giant human mural installed on the façade of the curatorial building.
The mural is sponsored by a local company, Ideal Roofing Ltd, and is the creation of the Human Mozaïk. The local artists' collective began by photographing 150 local residents of all ages and cultures, then turned each photo into a pixel used to digitally "paint" Mozaïk Civilization, a composition of two faces that reflects Canada's cultural diversity.
"Mozaïk Civilization is more than just a pretty picture," says Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "Mozaïk Civilization combines the best of current technology to portray a very contemporary yet timeless subject: the many faces of humankind. This is an accessible piece of public art that creatively engages the community in which we live."
Local artist-photographer Jean René founded the Human Mozaïk in 2003 as a community-based art activity that encourages the public to participate in the creation of large-scale urban art.
The mural, a non-profit project organized by the CMC in collaboration with the Human Mozaïk, is made possible thanks to the generous support of Ideal Roofing Company Ltd Manufacturers, an Ottawa-based firm. The large-scale digital printing technology for the four-storey-tall mural was produced by Optima Communications of Gatineau.
Mozaïk Civilization is just one of the many special events and activities planned for the CMC's 150th Anniversary. On Sunday May 14, the Museum hosts a special Open House, featuring free admission, behind-the-scenes tours, staged readings by Dramamuse, the Museum's theatre company, activities on the outdoor Plaza (weather permitting), a giant birthday cake, a barbecue, and more.
For more information on the 150th anniversary celebrations, visit the Museum's Website at http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/150/m150_03e.html or call (819) 776-7000. For more information on the Human Mozaïk, visit http://www.artmozaik.com .
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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