40 care homes, 17 years, one suitcase
Feb 15 2010 12:00AM
A piece of unusual art following a young girl’s journey through care homes was unveiled at University Campus Suffolk’s Waterfront building in Ipswich on Monday 15 February. Aishling Collins work, entitled My Life in a Suitcase, is literally a suitcase containing some of her scant possessions as well as a video screen that displays a short film about her life.
Aishling has spent the majority of her life in care and it has not been an easy ride for her. She has lived in over 40 different homes and institutions during her short 17 year life and has created the suitcase installation to tell her story which is both harrowing and full of hope.
Aishling and her suitcase will be travelling to London later in the year to form the centre piece of a Media Box exhibition showcasing the work of young people.
The installation has been made possible by a grant from Media Box, funded by the Department for Children Schools and Families. Ashling has also been helped in the creation of the installation and the film by local charity I Made This.