Kath Moore, Ramsay Art Boat
Image: Kath Moore, Yarta (Country), Ramsay Art Boat, 2026. Photo: Sam Roberts.
Kath Moore
Yarta (Country), 2026
Ramsay Art Boat
Commissioned by the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation
Commissioned by the James and Diana Ramsay foundation, Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna artist Kath Moore was selected to create an artwork to cover the iconic Popeye boat as the third Ramsay Art Boat.
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.
Delivered by Guildhouse, the commission aims to inspire audiences and generate new experiences, as well as provide a significant paid opportunity for a local artist to expand their creative practice into the public realm.
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.
Artist Statement:
This artwork maps the vibrant native landscape of Tarntanya (Adelaide), tracing a journey from the scenic Adelaide Hills through to the coast. Tarntanya is the Kaurna word for big, red kangaroo which is depicted on the back of the boat.
The artwork follows Karrawirra Pari (the River Torrens), the vital “red gum forest river” that flows from the Mounty Lofty Ranges in Peramangk country to Breakout Creek in Henley Beach South on Kaurna country. There were many natural springs and waterholes along the way where Kaurna people would camp.
Karrawirra Pari provides the Kaurna people with essential food, medicine and resources. Native plants are featured in this artwork, including the red river gum, flax lily, pigface, grevillea, banksia, and golden wattle These native plants highlight how Aboriginal people live in harmony with the land, showcasing not only their beauty but their cultural importance. The South Australia floral emblem is also highlighted, the Sturt Desert Pea.
The river is home to many creatures, such as fish, pelicans, snakes, black swans and ibis’, many of which are of great cultural importance, featuring in many creation stories. As the river travels to the coast it is greeted by the majestic southern right whale, representing the ocean.
About the artist
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 Kath’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.
Kath 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, Kath received the Highly Commended Artist Award at the Our Mob exhibition at the Adelaide Festival Theatre.
Project Acknowledgements:
Artist:
Kath Moore
Kaurna Consultation:
Uncle Mickey O’Brien
Kuma Kaaru (Kaurna consultation and Welcome to Country):
Jack Buckskin
Luke Wilson
Selection Panel:
Richard Jasek, James and Diana Ramsay Foundation
Kerry de Lorme, James and Diana Ramsay Foundation
Beth Neate, Guildhouse
Lidija Shuman, The Popeye
Leigh Robb, Art Gallery of South Australia
Sarah Langley, K&S Langley Fund
James and Diana Ramsay Foundation:
Kerry de Lorme
Kiah Elsworthy
Amy Gill
Popeye:
Lidija Shuman
Tony Shuman
Alix Weir
Jamie Horgan
Guildhouse:
Beth Neate
Sian Watson
Lawson Dodd
Lana Adams
Tracy Le Cornu
Visualcom:
Account director: Christine Ormsby
Site Check: Steffi Medrow, Jamie McPherson
Artwork Setup: Tomas Roberts
Installation: Randy Macalinao, Stephen Bradbury, Ivanovich Carreno Pinto
Funding Partner:
K&S Langley Fund
Hughes PR:
Verity Edwards
Express Colour Printing:
Mick Moore
Photography:
Sam Roberts
Lana Adams
Guildhouse Professional Services
Guildhouse Professional Services (GPS) is a South Australian leading public art consultancy, delivering end-to-end services for major public and commercial projects.
Established as Guildhouse’s social enterprise, GPS combines contemporary public art expertise with the governance strength of Guildhouse, the state’s peak visual arts body with over 60 years’ experience and membership base of over 1,200 artists, designers and craft practitioners.