SA’s iconic Popeye to launch its second Ramsay Art Boat

Adelaide’s iconic Popeye will launch its second floating work of art, building on the success of its first commission.

With a hugely-positive public response to the first Ramsay Art Boat, the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation and partners are proud to announce the launch of a new South Australian artwork on Popeye I today, on Karrawirra Pari/the River Torrens (Friday, 18 October).

In 2023 the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation was inspired to find a unique way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of James Ramsay's birth, which led to the commissioning of a South Australian artist to adorn an iconic Popeye Boat with an artwork for the first time in its 88-year history.

Working in conjunction with Guildhouse, this significant gift resulted in the inaugural Ramsay Art Boat entitled Good Job, by local artist Carly Snoswell, providing the community with a floating artwork cruising daily on the Karrawirra Pari/River Torrens.

The design of sequinned stars, sparkles and reflections of the Milky Way celebrated simple daily pleasures and accomplishments as it basked in the nostalgia of the Popeye, with Snoswell working themes and references to Kaura language and culture into the artwork in consultation with Kaurna and Narungga man Jack Buckskin of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services.

Foundation Executive Director Kerry de Lorme said the commissioned works celebrated James and Diana’s special relationship with South Australia and the visual and performing arts throughout their lives, a connection that continues through the Foundation’s work.

“James and Diana were highly regarded benefactors to the arts community and to South Australia in general,” Ms de Lorme said.

“Diana and James liked to take a risk in promoting the arts, and they would have loved to see these local artists supported with such a prominent piece of art, which all South Australians and visitors to the state can enjoy.”

Artist Alice Lindstrom’s new Ramsay Art Boat, River Tapestry, celebrates the Torrens as a place where people, animals and plants co-exist, as a vital part of the history and culture of South Australia.

As a place of cultural significance for the Kaurna people for thousands of years, Karrawirra Pari/ the River Torrens, is a place of deep meaning and contemporary recreation.

The artwork incorporates bronze metallic vinyl, neon tubing, collages and flags to highlight the Red Gum River Forest.

Lindstrom said the design worked as an eye-catching pattern from a distance, while revealing a more detailed narrative on closer inspection.

“The color palette for the boat's artwork was inspired by the rich, warm hues of golden hour on the river. As the sun sets, the sky glows with soft pinks, deep oranges, and vivid reds. I carried these tones throughout the design to evoke the beauty of that moment as well as contrast with sage and silvery greens of the riverbank,” Lindstrom said.

“The artwork was also deeply influenced by the topographical lines of the river, capturing its winding, serpentine form. I wanted to convey movement in the design and subtly reference the journey of the Popeye up and down the river. By incorporating flowing lines into the design, the artwork reflects not only the physical geography of the river but also the journey that water takes as it moves, twists, and ripples along the Torrens.”

She said it was a privilege to have been selected to create the work.

“I remember being very excited as a child when I’d go on Popeye rides; now I’ll be able to take my own children along and show them my artwork on the boat. I hope that the artwork reads as a celebration of the life on the Torrens and enlivens the cityscape around.”

As Carly Snoswell’s Good Job sails its last journey, the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation, Popeye, Guildhouse, Arts South Australia, the K&S Langley Fund and Visualcom are proud to unveil the next artist and Ramsay Art Boat, River Tapestry at 10am today on the Riverbank Lawns, in front of the Convention Centre. The best access for vehicles and car parking is via Festival Drive.