CULTURE

Style Spotlight:

Jerico Tracy

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Art curator Jerico Tracy reveals her uncanny eye for design and beauty, building a home, wardrobe and workspace befitting a minimalist’s paradise.

Jerico Tracy is the young wavemaker modifying and moulding the way we view art, in all its glamour and glory. As Director of Woolloomooloo-based gallery, Jerico Contemporary, Tracy is on a mission to “make art accessible to young people and give young artists a platform to showcase their work.” It is thanks to this innate skill and eye for talent that Sydney-siders have become introduced to a plethora of talented young art-makers – from the understated line drawings of Christiane Spangsberg to Anna Pogossova’s eerily stunning prints.

Admirably, Tracy has curated a gallery free from the typical stuffiness of many other prestige venues. This is, in part, due to Tracy’s own down-to-earth nature, as well as the charming and character-filled space that is now Jerico Contemporary. White walls are framed by timber and completed with a set of French doors leading to the courtyard housing a range of flourishing plants. It’s a space warm and inviting, not dissimilar to Tracy’s own apartment.

Nestled in Centennial Park, this idea of artful minimalism leads the interior. The apartment, shared with husband Andrew and (utterly adorable) rabbit Nyima, is not what one would expect from a dedicated curator. The stereotyped image of artworks adorning every wall and stacks of collector publications piling the floors is far from reality. Instead, Tracy’s small apartment calls for the strictest of curations (while a ten-year amassment bides its time in storage – for now). Currently, the pared-back interiors are complemented by the works of Christiane Spangsberg, Caroline Walls, Arryn Snowball, Holly Ryan and Isobel Rayson.

A recent acquisition by emerging multi-disciplinary artist, Emily Sandrussi, is Tracy’s latest prized possession. In what sounds like a beautifully haunting image, the artist is veiled by a “cascading column of fabric salvaged from her late mother’s sewing collection,” leading the viewer to question the redefining of one’s identity in the absence of another’s.

A neutral palette within the home gives these pieces the space to shine and receive the appraisal they deserve. With tones of white, taupe and black in abundance, Tracy’s nest is fitted out with antiques, vintage pieces and recycled timber. As a firm believer in living sustainably, natural materials take preference.

It is this awareness that also translates to Tracy’s minimalist, considered wardrobe. Neutrals have pride of place. Paired with classic silhouettes and textural pieces, the basis of a sustainable wardrobe is complete. International labels such as Isabel Marant, The Row and Chloé inspire this aesthetic, as do local labels including Albus Lumen, Christopher Esber and Matin.

It’s only natural then that Tracy would find herself sitting so comfortably in the fashion world. Artistic collaborations are on the rise as labels extend their viewpoint and look beyond the typically fashion-school-educated. In the words of Tracy, “[Fashion and art] are fields of creative expression, and it seems natural that fashion designers are collaborating with artists more and more frequently. I think these pairings can often lead to truly unexpected and innovative work.”

As expected, bridging these worlds of artistic beauty doesn’t come easy; a busy schedule and tireless hours keep Tracy on her toes. But it’s nothing that a bath, a book and a glass of wine can’t mend.

Credits

Photography Daphne Nguyen
Words Hannah Cole

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