Jean Tinguely was a Swiss artist known for his unique kinetic sculptures that moved and created sounds. Born in 1925, he became famous for his playful and often whimsical machines, which challenged traditional ideas of art. Tinguely's work often incorporated everyday materials and was designed to be interactive, inviting viewers to engage with his creations. His most notable piece, Meta-Matic, was a machine that drew abstract art on its own, showcasing the relationship between art and technology. Tinguely's innovative approach influenced many artists and helped pave the way for the Nouveau Réalisme movement, which emphasized the use of found objects and everyday life in art.