Ripcurl Retreat

"Ripcurl Retreat" captures the laid-back spirit of 1970s Australian surf culture through a minimalist, sharply outlined composition. With a classic VW Combi van parked outside a clean, stylized Ripcurl store and two surfboards resting against it, the painting channels a sense of quiet anticipation — the calm before a weekend of waves. In the spirit of Jeffrey Smart, the work explores stillness within constructed environments, evoking nostalgia, freedom, and the endless possibilities of the open road. A timeless tribute to surf culture, road trips, and the peaceful moments before adventure begins.

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"Tracey Esteves is a premier Australian contemporary artist whose work serves as a vibrant bridge between nostalgic Australiana and modern Pop Art. Based in Sydney, Tracey's practice is defined by a deep fascination with the 'Spirit of Place'—capturing the icons, architecture, and everyday rituals that shape the Australian identity.
Drawing from the principles of Formalism and Post-Modernism, her paintings are characterized by bold, graphic silhouettes and a sophisticated use of saturated color. From the industrial beauty of the Manly Ferry to the kitsch charm of backyard biscuits, Tracey elevates familiar cultural symbols into high-impact visual narratives.
Her work is held in private collections across Australia and internationally, appealing to collectors who seek art that is both intellectually grounded and visually electric. When you own a Tracey Esteves original, you are not just hanging a painting; you are preserving a piece of the Australian soul."