‘Strandbeesten’ is a creation of the Dutch kinetic artist Theo Jansen. The concept is about making a new form of life. Theo started 17 years ago with some simple mechanical beasts made of light materials like electricity tubes. Eventually these mechanical animals should survive in herds on the beaches. Theo Jansen is still improving the beasts on various territories, evolution has generated many species. The mechanical beast won’t get their energy from food but from the wind. The newer generations are even able the store the energy and use it to walk later on.
The proportions of the tubes in the animals are very important. There are 11 numbers, the distances between the tubes, which make the animal walk that way. Theo Jansen calls it the new invention of the wheel. “Infact it’s even better than the wheel”, he explains. The feet step over the stand which makes manoeuvring more easy. This way very heavy loads can be easier moved.
The German film director Alexander Schlichter is working on a documentary about Theo Jansen. The movie will be named after the beasts, Strandbeesten. Watch here the trailer;
