A fragment of a letter a soldier sent to his loved one is the inspiration for the piece of artwork chosen to complement the National Anzac Centre currently under construction in Albany.
Western Australian artists Dr Audrey Fernandes-Satar and Mr Arif Satar were awarded the $92,000 State Government commission to develop artwork to sit within the Princess Royal Fortress precinct.
Premier Colin Barnett said the piece - Longing, Memory, Sight - would mark the beginning of the Wesfarmers-funded convoy walk on Mt Adelaide. The walk leads to a lookout with a view over King George Sound where troops gathered on ships before departing for World War I.
"The sculpture is inspired by a fragment of a love letter that a soldier had sent to his loved one and is in the shape of a torn piece of paper with the words 'MY DEAREST LOVE' laser cut through it," Mr Barnett said.
"It will consist of an aluminium sculpture placed on top of a granite plinth. The plinth will contain inscribed text obtained from original letters and postcards sent by Australian soldiers who departed in the 1914 Albany convoy to their loved ones during their deployment in World War I."
The Premier said the Princess Royal Fortress precinct and National Anzac Centre would raise national and international awareness of the sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women, and highlight Albany's important role in the creation of the Anzac spirit.
"The public art will be an important part of this legacy," he said.
Fact File
The tender document asked artists to submit one or two pieces of artwork that could be delivered within the allocated budget. Four artists were shortlisted
Dr Fernandes-Satar and Mr Satar are Fremantle-based visual artists with diverse experience in developing and creating public and multi-media art projects
The artwork will be officially unveiled during the official opening of the National Anzac Centre on November 1, 2014 - the 100th anniversary of the convoy departure from Albany. The artwork is jointly funded by the State Government and Wesfarmers
Premier's office - 6552 5000
