Recently, I became interested in my family’s mayen—a traditional mid-altitude pasture hut in Switzerland, once used by farmers and their cattle. Ours, inherited from my grandfather, was renovated in the 2000s into a small, rustic chalet in the Val d’Anniviers. Still accessible only on foot and without modern comforts for part of the year, it reflects a shift from its agricultural past to a place of occasional family retreats.

Abandoned mayens nearby, now in ruins, bear witness to a disappearing pastoral life. Nature seems to have reclaimed the area: species once extinct in the valley, such as the ibex, have returned, and vegetation grows around the ruins. Yet human traces remain, through fences and paths. With trail cameras, I explored this coexistence by photographing animals and humans alike, who often share the same trails and landscapes.

By documenting my visits, I wanted to create a record of this in-between state—between heritage and wilderness, memory and change—where I hope a form of coexistence between people and nature can continue to unfold

Made as part of ECAL
Supervision: Matthieu Gafsou 

Looking for a publisher! :)