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Memories in a Suitcase unveiled

Posted on December 20, 2009, 10:10am and updated on December 21, 2009 at 3:48 pm

Memories in a Suitcase
The “dreams” of a post-war migrant in Mount Gambier came to life on Thursday with the unveiling of the “Memories in a Suitcase” sculpture.

The iconic granite sculpture, which now stands proudly in the civic plaza outside the new public library, symbolises the contribution of migrants to the “cultural, social and economic fabric” of Mount Gambier.

While the occasion was special for the many migrants who attended yesterday’s unveiling, it was an emotional moment for well-known Italian migrant John Bueti (pictured) who relentlessly knocked on doors to have such a sculpture created.

“It is a wonderful day, my big dream has come true,” Mr Bueti said after the ceremony.

“This is just amazing, it means a lot to me and it symbolises a lot of great things.”

Meanwhile, acting Arts Minister John Hill described the sculpture as wonderful.

“The original suitcase has been faithfully reproduced, dents and all, and carved out of nine and a half tonnes of West Australian granite,” Mr Hill said.

“The suitcase is a powerful metaphor for the migrant experience, carrying their past life into their new future.”

Well-known South Australian artist Silvio Apponyi created the sculpture.

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