Theo Jansen: Strandbeest

Theo Jansen’ Strandbeests are animalistic creations powered by nature that almost lack description. Jansen studied science at the University of Delft Holland and after practicing as a painter for some seven years, began constructing large moving objects, the first of which was a functioning flying saucer that flew over the town of Delft in 1980, raising quite a commotion! His work has since evolved and now Theo creates a new type of nature, the Strandbeests, which are giant skeletal structures constructed of plastic yellow tubes and sails that generate power allowing them to “walk on the wind”. In time Jansen hopes to release herds of his Strandbeest, allowing them to live on their own and I must say, what a sight it will be!