Ramsay Art Boat
In 2023, for the first time in Popeye’s history, one of our iconic boats became a floating work of art. Commissioned by the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation in celebration of the 100th anniversary of James Ramsay’s birth, Popeye I had a unique artistic makeover. South Australian artist Carly Snoswell was selected to design a vinyl boat cover which resulted in Popeye being adorned with sequin imagery. This year we are excited to announce there will be a second Ramsay Art Boat!
The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation Executive Director Kerry de Lorme said the initial commission 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 known supporters of the arts community and of South Australia in general,” Ms de Lorme said. “Every South Australian knows the Popeye, and visitors will want to take a look at the artwork both outside and inside the boat, and marvel at its stars as they light the river at night”.
If you’d like to host your next event on this wonderful, bespoke floating artwork contact our team on 08 8232 7994 or email us at info@thepopeye.com.au
In 2023, for the first time in Popeye’s history, one of our iconic boats became a floating work of art. Commissioned by the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation in celebration of the 100th anniversary of James Ramsay’s birth, Popeye I had a unique artistic makeover. South Australian artist Carly Snoswell was selected to design a vinyl boat cover which resulted in Popeye being adorned with sequin imagery. This year we are excited to announce there will be a second Ramsay Art Boat!
The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation Executive Director Kerry de Lorme said the initial commission 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 known supporters of the arts community and of South Australia in general,” Ms de Lorme said. “Every South Australian knows the Popeye, and visitors will want to take a look at the artwork both outside and inside the boat, and marvel at its stars as they light the river at night”.
If you’d like to host your next event on this wonderful, bespoke floating artwork contact our team on 08 8232 7994 or email us at info@thepopeye.com.au
Good Job by Carly Snoswell
Carly Snoswell’s floating artwork, Good Job, is a joyful celebration of simple daily pleasures and accomplishments, basking in the nostalgia of the iconic Popeye boat along Karrawirra Pari. The gold stars, a symbol of a job well done, epitomise the small achievements in our lives, the happy moments, turning those tiny glimmers into big giant wins.
Stars hold significant meaning to Kaurna language and culture. The river, a mirror of the Milky Way in the night sky, sparkles with reflected stars in the natural landscape. ‘Marngu-marngu’, or ‘speckled’, highlights the many circles of the stars, the glimmering reflection of the water, and in this case the sequins that bring this artwork together.
Carly worked in consultation with Kaurna and Narungga man Jack Buckskin of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services to realise the artwork’s references to Kaurna language and culture.
The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation commissioned local artist Carly Snoswell to create the artwork in celebration of the 100th anniversary of James Ramsay’s birth, featuring colour, sequins, stars and lighting, which will illuminate across Karrawirra Pari (the River Torrens) at night.
Working in partnership with Guildhouse, The Popeye, and the City of Adelaide to bring the idea to life, the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation’s artwork commission celebrates James and Diana Ramsay’s special relationship with South Australia and the visual and performing arts throughout their lifetimes, a connection that continues through the work of the Foundation.
The artwork was delivered by Guildhouse and received support from the City of Adelaide Reignite project, with input from Graphic Designer Jenna Pippett, lighting by Taylor Chadwick at light-ctrl, vinyl by Visualcom, and Double Diamond as fabrication contractors.
All photos courtesy of Sam Roberts
Carly Snoswell’s floating artwork, Good Job, is a joyful celebration of simple daily pleasures and accomplishments, basking in the nostalgia of the iconic Popeye boat along Karrawirra Pari. The gold stars, a symbol of a job well done, epitomise the small achievements in our lives, the happy moments, turning those tiny glimmers into big giant wins.
Stars hold significant meaning to Kaurna language and culture. The river, a mirror of the Milky Way in the night sky, sparkles with reflected stars in the natural landscape. ‘Marngu-marngu’, or ‘speckled’, highlights the many circles of the stars, the glimmering reflection of the water, and in this case the sequins that bring this artwork together.
Carly worked in consultation with Kaurna and Narungga man Jack Buckskin of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services to realise the artwork’s references to Kaurna language and culture.
The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation commissioned local artist Carly Snoswell to create the artwork in celebration of the 100th anniversary of James Ramsay’s birth, featuring colour, sequins, stars and lighting, which will illuminate across Karrawirra Pari (the River Torrens) at night.
Working in partnership with Guildhouse, The Popeye, and the City of Adelaide to bring the idea to life, the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation’s artwork commission celebrates James and Diana Ramsay’s special relationship with South Australia and the visual and performing arts throughout their lifetimes, a connection that continues through the work of the Foundation.
The artwork was delivered by Guildhouse and received support from the City of Adelaide Reignite project, with input from Graphic Designer Jenna Pippett, lighting by Taylor Chadwick at light-ctrl, vinyl by Visualcom, and Double Diamond as fabrication contractors.
All photos courtesy of Sam Roberts
Artist Carly Snoswell and “Good Job”
COming soon...
The second edition of the Ramsay Art Boat on Adelaide’s iconic Popeye is well underway. The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation in partnership with The Popeye, Guildhouse, K&S Langley Fund and Arts SA, are binging to life a new Ramsay Art Boat for the people and visitors of South Australia. This commission aims to inspire audiences and generate new experiences, as well as provided a significant paid opportunity for a local artist to expand their creative practice into the public realm. The artist and new floating artwork will be revealed towards the end of 2024, so watch this space!
The second edition of the Ramsay Art Boat on Adelaide’s iconic Popeye is well underway. The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation in partnership with The Popeye, Guildhouse, K&S Langley Fund and Arts SA, are binging to life a new Ramsay Art Boat for the people and visitors of South Australia. This commission aims to inspire audiences and generate new experiences, as well as provided a significant paid opportunity for a local artist to expand their creative practice into the public realm. The artist and new floating artwork will be revealed towards the end of 2024, so watch this space!
