New-look Popeye inspired by traditional Kaurna art
A River Torrens staple has had a major makeover inspired by traditional Aboriginal artwork. See the new design.
Adelaide’s Popeye, which has been in operation since 1935, has received a makeover, with the floating artwork unveiled today on the Karrawirra Pari/River Torrens.
Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna artist Kath Moore was chosen as the third commission for the Ramsay Art Boat project, with her designs inspired by Kaurna cultural land.
“I really wanted to highlight how the Kaurna people would live in harmony with the river and with the plants and nature around them,” Moore said.
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“I think that’s really important for others to learn about our culture.”
The experience ties in with a personal connection for Moore, who has travelled onboard the Popeye for many years alongside her children, even going back to her 87-year-old aunt who boarded the Popeye as a child herself.
“It’s a real honour to be able to have my artwork wrapped on such an iconic piece of Adelaide and part of Adelaide’s history.”
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The hope was for passengers of the art piece to take away a piece of Kaurna culture with them, with postcards made detailing the names of the animals and plants that are showcased on the boat.
Kath’s hope was for children to be able to identify the different species while travelling along the river.
“I think it’s a really great opportunity to share my culture with the wider community,” she said.
Art Gallery of South Australia Curator of Contemporary Art and Ramsay Art Boat judge Leigh Robb said that Kath’s artwork proposal was a feature that stood out for its relationship with the river and the country.
“What makes it so special is the connection to Country, the connection to Karrawirra Pari,” she said.
“It feels like it’s more than a design. It’s also a carrier of culture.”
Since 2023, the Ramsay Art Boat project has been providing an opportunity for South Australian artists to bring their contemporary art pieces to life, as public art on the river.
Robb described the unconventional form of art piece as “essentially a floating gallery as well.”
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