Kalkidan Hoex: One of the talks I’m organising will take place at Barrio and explore the concept of home.
It’s called Teret Teret, an Amharic phrase used to begin a story. You invite people to join you in storytelling by asking, and if the audience responds with “Ye meseret” – meaning “Yes, I want to join this storytelling” – the story begins.
In this session, I want to explore home identity: where it comes from and how we situate ourselves within it. Two designers with mixed cultural backgrounds will join me, bringing their own layered perspectives on home identity, which they also reflect in their work.
Additionally, two members from Rambler, a creative studio and social fashion brand, will participate. Rambler supports young people who struggle to find their place in society, giving them space to discover their voice through fashion and design. In the studio, they learn to design, make, and present clothing, while also developing collaboration skills, responsibility, and pride in their creations.
The Western approach to studying art is just one of many. I recognise it as a dominant framework – most people find it easier to integrate into this mindset of what art is and what is considered valuable or worthy of attention – but it’s only one way of thinking. When I reflect on the concept of art and what dominates the city, we’re rarely in contact with places like Rambler.
I’m curious about how we define quality and experience art – what receives more attention and what remains hidden. I find it fascinating that art can be used as a tool to heal people, to rehabilitate what has been broken within themselves. That idea of coming back home to yourself really resonated with me. That’s why I wanted two members of Rambler in the conversation, to give them more visibility and highlight their perspectives.
I hope that whatever I bring this November will plant seeds for the future—helping our field grow more diverse. There’s so much potential to broaden it, both for what already exists and for what is yet to come.
— Kalkidan Hoex
The second event takes place at Oscam, the museum. We have two speakers who will discuss grills—not just as a trend, but as a form of jewellery. The aim is to slow down the conversation, explore where it comes from, and provide context. Are you aware of what grills really are? This talk will help situate them within the broader jewellery field.
We’re creating a mix of Obsessed! jewellers, artists, and parents with teenagers interested in art—anyone curious about the makers behind grills or the jewellery world more generally. For young people, especially those constantly scrolling through TikTok, trends come and go in a matter of days. Taking the time to slow down and absorb thoughtful information feels essential today.
After the talk, there will be music, drinks, and a relaxed space to take it all in. It’s a chance for this diverse group to connect, share ideas, and enjoy the experience together.
Cover image: Peter Stigter • Rambler Studio • Jewellery • 2025 • Image courtesy of Peter Stigter
This interview is part of the OBSESSED! Jewellery Festival series, featuring members of the OBSESSED! Work Group who have been activating their jewellery and design communities throughout the festival.
For more information about the festival, visit obsessedwithjewellery.com.
