Sculptures in motion

Sculptures in motion. Dutch artist Theo Jensen has been bringing his vision of mobile “animals” to life since 1990. Crafting kinetic sculptures designed to roam along the beaches of the Netherlands. Known as Strandbeests (Dutch for “beach animals”), are powered entirely by wind. Each “animal” is constructed from lightweight electrical tubing bound together with zip ties. The structures are engineered to walk using a rotating spine mechanism that allows them to move forward and backward. Some of Jansen’s creations are equipped with sensors that enable them to detect and avoid water. Currently, these mesmerizing sculptures can be seen on the beaches of the Netherlands. "Over time, these skeletons have become increasingly better at surviving the elements…eventually, I want to put these animals out in herds on the beaches, so they will live their own lives." — Theo Jansen, Artist and Sculptor. Learn more at strandbeest.com