Ted Noten (born 1956 in Swalmen) is one of the most idiosyncratic and radical designers of the moment. His translucent acrylic bags – in which sometimes an animal, jewelry or cocaine and at other times weapons are enclosed – have seduced collectors, confused authorities, inspired colleagues and challenged students all over the world. Beauty and violence, perfection and decay: these are themes that have never disappeared from his work ever since he created the famous necklace which held a mouse with a pearl necklace.
In the thirteen rooms of the museum, TED presents thirteen thematic projects. The projects differ in approach, style and appearance. The works do not seem to be made by one and the same person. Sometimes Noten crawls in the skin of a personality who provokes more than the established artist can, and another time he operates more reflectively than the jewel-terrorist in Ted Noten would allow himself. The identities have distinct preferences, which are extra emphasized and connected by the physical appearance of the museum building.
Exhibition ‘TED: Ted Noten’
Museum aan het Vrijthof, Maastricht
March 1 – August 19, 2018
www.museumaanhetvrijthof.nl
Guest curators: Noëlle Kemmerling and Ted Noten
Concept exhibition: Noëlle Kemmerling and Ted Noten
Design exhibition: Maurice Mentjens
Photos: Serge-Technau