« My walls are your walls, » I told Denis Hayoun when he first visited the gallery.

I showed him the M.A.D. Gallery back in November, and explained the concept behind it, where every showcased piece had to relate to kinetic art. That’s when I felt he had, or could have, something in mind.

In a second, Denis set his mind on the work of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely (1925-1991), well known for his kinetic and meta-mechanic art. He couldn’t think of anybody else because according to him, Tinguely has a way of turning daily objects into machines that give rise to powerful emotions. And I completely agree. One of my dreams is in fact to create one day a Tinguely Machine for the wrist…!

A “machine” is an object and a word we like at the M.A.D. Gallery. I think Hayoun’s work is in perfect adequation with our mind set.

Fortunately for Denis – and subsequently for us – the Tinguely Museum based in Basel, was closed for the preparation of a new exhibition. Denis was able to get a privileged access to bring his team and shoot Tinguely’s pieces without any disturbances.

At 41, Denis had never done an exhibition under his name. He started his career photographing local musicians with their instruments. Later on, he concentrated his technique in macrophotography based in his Diode studio, where he developed an impressive reputation in photographing the most prestigious watch and jewelry brands.

In his spare time, he travels. He visits cities, discovers forests, finds plastic bags attached to tree branches… and transforms those images into artistic photos.

Hayoun captures the interaction between men and nature or the common links existing between skyscrapers, trees and wild forests.

I knew his work, I knew him personally and I also knew that I could trust his instinct blindly. The result is truly breathtaking.

I strongly advise you to stop-by the Gallery to admire the eight photographs which are printed in a limited edition of five each.

With my very best regards,

Maximilian Büsser
Owner and Creative Director