Theo Jansen an engineer, scientist, and artist who brings to life his very own beach creatures. Formed through computer algorithms these creatures are then created with flexible plastic tubes, adhesive tape, and an occasional zip tie here and there. Finally brought to life with the wind and wet sand of the Dutch coastline. Jansen continues to create them until one day they will be fully functioning without any human interventions.
Theo Jansen was originally a Physicist but switched his career to become a painter in the 70s. Fallowing his interests in aeronautics and robotics he began his project with creating artificial life through algorithm programs sparking his "Strandbeest" (beach beasts) kinetic sculptures. Story has it in 1980 that he crafted a UFO sculpture that emitted sound and launched it into the sky and the town broke out into an apocalyptic panic. After this event he was hooked on creating these life forms. He currently works in his laboratory creating more of these beach walkers and then sets them free on the Dutch coastline in herds. For a video to watch them in action click here.
