Step into the imaginarium of Theo Jansen, whose larger-than-life beach animals have made their way to our island for the first time
For those who are not familiar with him, think of the Dutch physicist-turned-sculptor Theo Jansen as a modern-day Hephaestus. Like the Greek god of craft, Jansen has a knack for constructing fascinating objects out of ordinary materials — sometimes even going as far as instilling them with a life of their own. While Hephaestus had his stable of automatons (animated statues of animals and people), Jansen has his Strandbeests.
Dutch for “beach animals”, “Strandbeests” is the name of the gigantic wind-powered beasts that Jansen has spent the last three decades creating upon the Dutch seaside where he lives. Though skeletal in appearance, these mechanical beasts are very much alive: they roam the beaches freely without any assistance, and have since evolved into fascinating forms never before seen in the animal kingdom.
It goes without saying that these creatures are quite a sight to behold, although for the longest time most of us could only do so through the videos uploaded on Jansen’s Youtube page. Now, for the first time, Jansen is bringing his unique menagerie to our shores straight from those of the Netherlands.
Held at the ArtScience Museum, “Wind Walkers: Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests” showcases 13 of Jansen’s famed beasts, from the massive, 72-legged Animaris Siamesis to the caterpillar-like Animaris Bruchus Primus. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to see these creatures’ intricate structures of PVC tubes, cable ties, recycled plastic bottles and sails up close, while tracing their remarkable evolution over the years.
Below, we speak to their creator to find out what turns the windmills of his mind.
This story is from the September 2018 edition of L'OFFICIEL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2018 edition of L'OFFICIEL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SLEEPING BEAUTIES
Louis Vuitton releases two fresh versions of its Bed Trunk, which have been designed in collaboration with Nicolas Ghesquière and Pharrell Williams
TRUE BLUE
Back in 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra motif was born.
WHAT MAKES A MAJESTIC ESCAPE?
The answer: These Harry Winston jewels, which are inspired by the breathtaking appearance of dawn in the Indonesian province of Bali, from the Majestic Escapes Collection.
Leaping FORWARD
Movements described as \"feline\" come with an extra element of grace and elegance.
Enchanted WOODS
A magical connection blooms right here as L'OFFICIEL SINGAPORE meets South Korean actress Kim Min-ha-dressed in Dior's Cruise 2025 collection, the Pachinko star shares why the series is so close to her heart and how she would love to fill her world with Haribo
Life of the PARTY
The new Andy Warhol Clou de Paris timepiece pays homage to the Piaget Society, celebrating the Maison's golden era
Best Foot FORWARD
Having always set itself apart by combining shoe-making and smart engineering, FitFlop goes a step further by announcing a new partnership with Song Hye Kyo. The South Korean star was so enamoured with the stylish yet comfortable designs that she handpicked her favourite styles for her ambassador shoot
Standing TALL
With its striking elongated silhouettes, inventive takes on couture, and clever tie-ups, the Balenciaga Spring 2025 parade couldn't be dampened even by the day's rainstorm
Extraordinary EVERY DAY
As SHANGHAI TANG celebrates 30 years, there is no better time to embrace the Friends of SHANGHAI TANG Collection and its touches of contemporary chinoiserie, timeless elegance, and joie de vivre
A City That NEVER SLEEPS
30,000 square metres, 10 \"designer neighbourhoods\", 10 unique Moncler Genius collections, and one stunning \"The City of Genius\" concept, in which one can soak in different artistic and cultural viewpoints of the diverse creative talents assembled