The head of artistic direction for the legendary Pellicano hotel group, Marie-Louise Scio makes sparks fly. Having studied design and...
Caroline Notté has made choices like nobody else. Firstly, in her career history. This demanding and multifaceted artist – as she likes to describe herself – wanted to master a wide range of options, right from the start. Art first, at the Académie des Arts de la Ville de Bruxelles. Then architecture at La Cambre. And even photography, for which went as far as exiling herself to New York in 2001. With her training behind her, Caroline Notté then undertook internships. The latter enabled her to rub shoulders with the likes of Marc Corbiau and Lionel Jadot, two giants of the Belgian architectural scene. Then came the time to go it alone. Caroline Notté then opened her own studio to which she added an art gallery a year ago. A passion within one that is even more outstanding: a building that is the former home of architect Louis Herman De Koninck. “An amazing piece of luck” she tells us, her eyes shining. Unusual, surprising. For someone who wanted to free herself from that feeling of “déjà vu” by combining her different visions, the setting is ideal. Vibrant. In order to continue to exalt it, every month Caroline Notté will present within its walls a rigorous selection of young artists and objects that have caught her eye. Plenty to get the mind of the dominant figure in the modern Belgian movement talking with the young hopefuls of tomorrow.
Caroline, can you tell us about yourself? How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a woman with a very passionate nature. I love travelling and I have many strings to my bow: architect, interior designer, photographer, and CAD professor. I studied architecture, followed by photography in New York, before completing internships with Marc Corbiau. After that, I was an architect at Lionel Jadot’s studio. I opened my own studio ten years ago, and for the last year, I’ve also had a gallery featuring art, vintage items, furniture, and other pieces that I love.
How did you manage to acquire this building by Louis Herman De Koninck?
It was a fantastic stroke of luck!
What does this residence mean for you?
It’s a place of stability and strength, where I can anchor myself. This house impresses me every single day. I have a lot of admiration for Louis Herman De Koninck. Here, I have absolutely amazing contact with nature.
Where did the idea for the gallery come from? What do you have on offer?
I like sharing and human contact, and I’m a big fan of art, vintage items, and decorative objects. I love making discoveries. The premises are really well suited for that. I wanted to make the house come alive with young artists.
How did you envisage the space to highlight your selection of items?
Above all, I wanted to treat the house with respect and retain all the existing features. I change very frequently, so my selection fits in with the premises.
Which are your favourite pieces? What is your “must-have” item of the moment?
Mobiles by Michael Anastassiades.
Do you have a favourite era, artist, or item that defines your style?
The 30s, Anish Kapoor, and a vase by Ettore Sottsass.
Any design destinations to share for anyone visiting Brussels?
Diito,Vintage Items, 10gallery and Benoit de Moffarts.
What are your plans for the future?
To open boutique hotels in unique locations and offer opportunities to travel to isolated locations.
Photography: Constance Gennari – Text: Caroline Balvay – Translation: TextMaster @thesocialitefamily
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