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Strandbeesten: The Majestic Wind Beast of Theo Jansen

Welcome to the magical Strandbeest ( or strandbeesten ) jungle of Theo Jansen. The world in his thoughts, combined with his physical ability, resulted in uncommon and stunning kinetic sculptures roaming the beaches of the Netherlands, such as Den Haag.

1. Who Is Theo Jansen?

Theo Jansen is a Dutch artist, who was born in Scheveningen. Jansen grew up with a natural talent for both art and physics. He once pursued physics at the Delft University of Technology. However, in 1974, he left the university without a degree. 

theo-jansen
Theo-Jansen

While living at Delft, Jansen joined in numerous projects that concerned technology and art. His most notable achievements are a flying-saucer machine and a paint machine.

2. Theo Jansen And His Beach Beasts

theo-jansen-kunstwerken
Strandbeest

Since 1990, Theo Jansen has been working on new mechanical engineering techniques, generating skeletons that move by harnessing wind power. He dubbed it “strandbeesten,” which means “beach beasts.”

The moving sculptures are made of yellow plastic tubes, and their physics-based movement is smooth and organic, making them appear to be living things. Jansen sees these kinetic creations as a “new species” capable of surviving on the sandy beaches even when he’s gone.

  • You can watch the video here:
Theo Jansen Strandbeesten

“I construct skeletons (kunstwerken) that can move on the wind,” Theo Jansen once said. These skeletons have improved at surviving factors like storms and water over time. I eventually want to release these creatures in herds on beaches so they can live their own life.”

And depends on the sandy beach environment where he releases them, he will improve and redesign them so they can function.

The sculptures can also store air pressure and use it to move when there is no wind. Jansen’s more advanced creations can even detect if they’re going into the water and moving away from it. One model can anchor itself to the ground if a storm is seen.

3. Other Types Of Strandbeesten

Animaris-Vulgaris

Theo Jansen separates his Strandbeest generations into time periods.

In the beginning, when he merely taped the tubes together, he called it Gluton Period. The creation in this 1990 – 1991 period is the Animaris Vulgaris, which could only move its legs.

The next period between 1991 and 1993 is the Chorda Epoch. During this time, Jansen started trying to connect the tubes with nylon zip strips. And eventually, he made Animaris Currens Vulgaris. This was the first animal that was able to stand and walk.

4. The Original Purpose

At first, the purpose of building these creatures was to tackle the rising sea levels issue. Then, after years of experimentation and evolution, Strandbeesten began to react, interact, and adapt to changing climatic conditions. 

As we mentioned above, they can harness wind energy, navigate the coast with changeable tides, and anchor themselves ahead of approaching storms.

5. Where To See Them?

strandbeesten-den-haag

Theo Jansen’s creatures, Strandbeesten have been in exhibits worldwide. You can easily see them (Strandbeesten) in science centers and art museums in Den Haag, Seoul, Tokyo, Madrid, Taipei, London, and Munich.

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Maris Lopez
Maris Lopezhttp:////my-lifestyle.co
Hey there! I'm Maris, an American girl who is passionate about adventure, the outdoors and all things travel!
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