Canadian artist Danaé Brissonnet has begun painting a “mythical New Orleans mural” on the exterior of the Embassy Suites Hotel on Julia Street in the New Orleans Arts District. Brissonnet’s design features an antique-style bestiary illustration of mythological animals and plants set in a narrative representation of New Orleans history. Featuring everything from Louisiana snapping turtles to Congo Square to oak trees and Mardi Gras, the fantastical mural will be a “visual feast of colors, symbolism, and hope.” The mural project is part of a program called Unframed presented by The Helis Foundation. The Arts Council New Orleans initiative launched in 2019 with five murals located on buildings throughout the Arts District.
“The Arts Council is grateful to The Helis Foundation for supporting Unframed and our work to enhance public spaces,” said Arts Council Interim President Joycelyn Reynolds. “At a time when our fairs and festivals are on pause due to public health concerns, Danaé Brissonnet’s mural is a celebration of New Orleans culture and resilience. We are honored to present her work and demonstrate how art can serve as a symbol of hope and healing for the city.”
“This mural acts as a capstone for our property’s full renovation, completed in 2020. Our intention was to create a backdrop for our guests’ experience that embraces our unique location here in New Orleans, bridging the gap between the Convention Center and the Arts District. We couldn’t be more grateful for The Helis Foundation and Arts Council for bringing the opportunity to showcase work from such a talented and acclaimed artist as Danaé, on a scale as massive as this,” said Jonathan Rogers, director of sales at Embassy Suites by Hilton.