Kath Moore's artwork transforms Popeye into a journey through country

The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation and partners are proud to announce the launch of the third Ramsay Art Boat, featuring a vibrant new artwork called Yarta (Country) by Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna artist Kath Moore on one of Adelaide’s iconic Popeye boats. 

The Ramsay Art Boat project brings together contemporary South Australian artists and the Popeye to create a unique public art experience on the River Torrens. The project provides an opportunity for South Australian artists to share their stories, perspectives and connections to Country with audiences both on and beyond the river. 

Commissioned for the Popeye, Ms Moore’s vibrant design traces a journey through the native landscape of Tarntanya (Adelaide), following Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens) from the Adelaide Hills through Kaurna Country to the coast. 

The artwork celebrates the deep connections between Country, water, culture and family. It draws inspiration from the artist’s strong connection to Country and water, as well as the stories of her Nan, Doris Kropinyeri, who grew up at Raukkan, a mission on the Coorong, south of Adelaide. 

At the heart of the artwork is Karrawirra Pari, the “red gum forest river”, which flows from the Mount Lofty Ranges in Peramangk Country through Kaurna Country to the coast. For thousands of years, the river and its surrounding waterways have provided Kaurna people with essential food, medicine and resources, with natural springs and waterholes providing places to camp along its journey. 

Ms Moore’s artwork brings this rich landscape to life through native plants and animals, including red river gum, flax lily, pigface, grevillea, banksia, golden wattle and the Sturt Desert Pea. Fish, pelicans, snakes, black swans and ibis are woven throughout the design, reflecting the cultural significance of the river and its creatures. As the river reaches the coast, it is met by the majestic southern right whale, representing the ocean. 

A large red kangaroo features on the back of the boat, representing Tarntanya, the Kaurna word for big red kangaroo and the name for Adelaide. Together, these elements create a  continuous visual journey of movement and transformation, celebrating the enduring relationship between Aboriginal people, Country and water.   

The artist’s practice also carries stories of family and culture across generations, connecting her Nan’s experiences at Raukkan with her own story of family and raising two children in Adelaide. 

“It is an absolute honour to see my artwork come to life on one of Adelaide’s most iconic attractions,” Ms Moore said.   

“My family has a special connection to Popeye with my aunty sharing fond memories of cruising along Karrawirra Pari with my nan as a young girl, nearly 80 years ago. Now I get to create these memories with my own children while also sharing the beauty and stories of my culture.”  

The first Ramsay Art Boat, Good Job, was created by artist Carly Snoswell in 2023, followed by River Tapestry by artist Alice Lindstrom in 2024.  

James & Diana Ramsay Foundation Executive Director Kerry de Lorme said each iteration had transformed the Popeye through a distinctive artistic lens, inviting audiences to experience the River Torrens and its surrounds in new ways.

"Three editions in, we’re incredibly proud of what the project has become,” Ms de Lorme said.  

“The Ramsay Art Boat is a wonderful example of what can happen when artists, arts organisations, South Australian businesses and philanthropy come together around a shared idea. Kath's work is sure to be a real crowd pleaser!" 

The third Ramsay Art Boat is commissioned by the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation and presented in partnership with the Popeye, Guildhouse, the K&S Langley Fund and Visualcom.  

About Kath Moore 
Kath Moore is a proud Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna contemporary artist living on Kaurna Yarta. Working across acrylic on canvas and digital design, Kath was taught to paint by her Aunty Pam when she was young. 

The inspiration for Ms Moore’s the artist’s work comes from her Nan’s Country on the Coorong. Her artwork shares stories of her Nan’s life growing up on the mission, stories of Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna people, as well as her own story of family and raising two children in Adelaide. 

Ms Moore completed a Graduate Diploma in Art (Photomedia) from the University of NSW and a Graduate Certificate in Art History from The University of Adelaide. She has completed a number of commissions and collaborations in Adelaide and exhibited her work in numerous locations across South Australia.  In 2021, Ms Moore received the Highly Commended Artist Award at the Our Mob exhibition at the Adelaide Festival Theatre. 

About the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation 
The James & Diana Ramsay Foundation was established in 2008 by Diana Ramsay AO to continue the philanthropic work of James and Diana throughout their lifetimes. The Foundation aims to impact the lives of many people by fostering excellence in the arts, health innovations and programs for young people. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $25 million in grants to non-profit organisations for the benefit of the community.  

About Guildhouse 
Guildhouse is South Australia’s peak body for visual art, craft and design with 1,200+ Members across diverse areas of contemporary visual arts practice at all career stages, as well as arts organisations, businesses and guilds. With a clear focus on creating opportunities for artists and leading sector development, Guildhouse engages and supports artists with creative and career development programs such as residencies, mentorships, one-on-one advice, tailored business skill development, network development and opportunities to create new work. Guildhouse is comprised of a dynamic team, supporting a growing Membership base and presents a thriving annual program of events and initiatives in partnership with South Australia’s leading cultural and corporate partners. 

About Popeye 
The Popeye boats are State Heritage icons and represent one of the best known and enduring symbols of Adelaide.  Popeye boats have been plying Karrawirra Pari/River Torrens since 1935, when Captain Gordon Watt launched his first Popeye. The boat was constructed on the banks of the river using jarrah, measuring 7.6m and accommodating 20 people. In 1977, Popeye V was converted into a Royal Barge for the Queen’s visit that March. Five years later in 1982, 
three new fibreglass Popeyes replaced the existing fleet of five boats, and officially unveiled by Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. The Popeye and Captain Jolley's Paddle Boats are a small, family-run business owned privately by the Shuman family.   

About K&S Langley Fund 
The K&S Langley Fund supports South Australians. It is passionate about helping local emerging artists build their careers because its team knows that art positively impacts every communities. 

About Visualcom 
Visualcom is a leading Adelaide-based creative, advertising, and marketing agency with more than 25 years’ experience partnering with the arts, working with events, activations, installations and artists to make their ideas become a reality. From ideation to final creation, Visualcom handles every step, ensuring unmatched consistency, quality and efficiency. Its unique fusion of strategic vision, creative ideation, digital innovation, print perfection, and impressive production,  all under one roof, ensures unparalleled results. Visualcom is the definitive partner for brands, artists and events seeking a holistic, integrated approach from concept to captivating.