Who the Hell is Ted Noten?

Ted Noten designs jewellery and bags but is best known for his unconventional creations. He dislikes categorisation and prefers not to call himself an artist. "To some, I am an artist, to others a designer, but I prefer to call myself a maker. I create things." He studied for 3 years at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht. However, he found this education too technical and chose to continue his studies at the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. The craftsmanship he learned in Maastricht enabled him to effectively bring his creative ideas to life, something that many other students at the Rietveld Academy often struggled with.

Noten's Career
Noten's career includes numerous exhibitions in prominent museums and galleries worldwide. He has also won several awards, including the Herbert Hofmann Prize at the Schmuck fair in Munich, demonstrating his recognition within the international art and design world.

'The Beginning'
The occasion for the exhibition at Artichoque Art Gallery was an invitation to give a speech on 4 July to 150 graduates of the Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts. Noten said, "I will encourage and reassure these young men and women a bit. The speech is titled 'The Beginning,' and that's exactly what it is when you've just finished your education. That's when it really begins." The connection with Erik Stroink of Artichoque Art, whose gallery provides a platform for young promising artists, was quickly established thereafter.

'Democratically Affordable' Objects
Together, they conceived a unique concept featuring both large works and, as Noten describes them, 'democratically affordable' objects. A catwalk in the exhibition space showcases 6 to 8 heavy pieces, while the studio's display case presents playful and accessible objects and jewellery that visitors can purchase and take home immediately. Wearable necklaces, rings, brooches, and other study pieces range from 200 to 800 euros. Other works are projected on the wall from Den Bosch using a projector, offering visitors a glimpse into his studio. Noten explained, "We project my desk and a clothesline with several objects onto a wall in Maastricht. This gives visitors a sense of the atmosphere in my studio and an idea of how this space influences what I create."

The exhibition is open to everyone. Not only art connoisseurs and collectors are welcome but also anyone else interested in visiting the gallery.