Strandbeest. the Dream Machines of Theo Jansen - by Lawrence Weschler (Hardcover)

About the Book

For seven years, photographer and artist Lena Herzog followed the evolution of a new kinetic species. Intricate as insects but with bursts of equine energy, the "Strandbeests," or "beach creatures," are the creation of Dutch artist Theo Jansen, who has been working for nearly two decades to generate these new life-forms that move, and even survive, on their own. This tribute showcases Jansen's imaginative vision, a mesmerizing encounter with whole new ideas of existence.

Book Synopsis

For seven years, photographer and artist Lena Herzog followed the evolution of a new kinetic species. Intricate as insects but with bursts of equine energy, the "Strandbeests," or "beach creatures," are the creation of Dutch artist Theo Jansen, who has been working for nearly two decades to generate these new life-forms that move, and even survive, on their own.

Set to roam the beaches of Holland, the Strandbeests pick up the wind in their gossamer wings and spring, as if by metamorphosis, into action. As if it were blood, not the breeze, running through their delicate forms, they quiver, cavort, and trot against the sun and sea, pausing to change direction if they sense loose sand or water that might destabilize their movement.

Coinciding with a traveling exhibition, Herzog's photographic tribute captures Jansen's menagerie in a meditative black and white, showcasing Jansen's imaginative vision, as well as the compelling intersection of animate and inanimate in his creatures. The result is a work of art in its own right and a mesmerizing encounter not only with a very surrealist brand of marvelous, but also with whole new ideas of existence.

Review Quotes

"Spectacular, mechanical, philosophical beauty all rolled up in the talents of a man who is both artist and artisan in the broader sense of both words."
-- "Forbes"

"They really do appear to be alive. Purposeful, resolute. They don't fall into the uncanny valley that afflicts so many other robotic assaults on the absolutely lifelike... they almost seem to evince a soul."-- "The New York Times Magazine"