When one of the most notorious public art works in the city is replaced, the community takes notice. The “It’s Love, Baby” mural that adorned the exterior wall of The OPUS Hotel – and had become an Instagram selfie must-stop for locals, tourists and influencers alike – was recently put to rest and, in its place, a new artistic monument now decorates the Yaletown streets.
Local artist Cathy High recently unveiled her celebratory “Love Me” wall piece on the artistically oriented OPUS locale, timed with the hotel’s 15th anniversary; the work pays homage to our country’s rich First Nations culture while adding a playfully graphic element to Vancouver’s street art scene. Specifically, the bold totem pole imagery gives reference to the importance of the feminine influence, and is the artist’s rendition of the Kakaso’Las totem pole carved by Ellen Neel for Woodward’s in 1955.
“I was drawn to the prominence of women in Indigenous art,” says High, who is not Indigenous. “This image is of a Dzunukwa, the Wild Woman of the Woods. The original painting is called Kiss and I wanted it to be an expression of how I saw those legendary creatures on the totem poles.”
More than just an exterior wall space for murals, the OPUS Hotel has long been a hub for showcasing local artists. “Our local art program is just one aspect of our commitment to being part of the local community here in Yaletown and to creating a cultural hub in the city for guests and visitors alike,” says general manager Nicholas Gandossi. In 2013 the hotel underwent an aesthetic refresh and began its local art program with the inclusion of statement local art in the colourful rooms. Pieces by Tiko Kerr, Taizo Yamamoto and Mark Mizgala became the striking focal points of the luxurious rooms, offering guests insight into what our city’s local art scene is all about. More recently, the boutique hotel’s public spaces were given a heavy dose of local art as well: large scale mosaics by artist Jason Dussault now greet arriving eyes in the lobby and dining areas, most notably the artist’s rendition of Justin Trudeau and another entitled “Kiss the Cook”.
Extending outside traditional fine art, the hotel also supports a variety of local art and artisans through its minibars. The Opus Loves Local minibar program includes water bottles from one of our city’s most well known fashion designers, Miriam Alden of Brunette the Label ,and the hottest new pickles on the block, from Granville Island’s Kaylin & Hobbs.
For its monumental anniversary, OPUS hosted an evening that brought the celebrated local artists, the community and medial together for an epic bash. Guests were able to mingle with High, Dussault and Alden while exploring the art and enjoying sips and eats from local faves like Kaylin & Hobbs, La Stella and Casamigos and, of course, La Pentola – the Italian restaurant nestled inside the hotel.
The “Love Me” mural has already begun its ascent to selfie fame, as many guests took turns posing with the fresh work, and the hashtag #LoveMe can be used to follow the art’s journey on social media.
