Ode to the world-famous strandbeests by Theo Jansen

Dutch artist Theo Jansen (b. 1948, The Hague) has achieved worldwide recognition for his imposing and ingenious strandbeests, which are much more than art objects. They actually try to create dunes themselves. Taking his inspiration from the theory of evolution, Jansen has taught his strandbeests to float on the sea breeze and to walk independently along the beach. Using PVC tubing, adhesive tape and PET bottles, he has brought a completely new life form into existence. In so doing, he seeks insight into the origins of life itself. His ultimate aim is to have herds of his creations roam the beach all on their own. ‘Give me another couple of million years, and my strandbeests will live completely independently.’

Strandbeesten – The New Generation is the book accompanying the exhibition Theo Jansen. Strandbeesten, de nieuwe generatie, which runs at the Kunstmuseum Den Haag from 26 February to 3 July 2022.

Theo Jansen began studying physics in Delft, then started work as an artist. Between 1986 and 2008 he was the author of a regular column in de Volkskrant. Jansen was named Artist of the Year 2018 in November 2017 and received The Hague’s Culture Award in 2018.

Ode to the world-famous strandbeests by Theo Jansen

Dutch artist Theo Jansen (b. 1948, The Hague) has achieved worldwide recognition for his imposing and ingenious strandbeests, which are much more than art objects. They actually try to create dunes themselves. Taking his inspiration from the theory of evolution, Jansen has taught his strandbeests to float on the sea breeze and to walk independently along the beach. Using PVC tubing, adhesive tape and PET bottles, he has brought a completely new life form into existence. In so doing, he seeks insight into the origins of life itself. His ultimate aim is to have herds of his creations roam the beach all on their own. ‘Give me another couple of million years, and my strandbeests will live completely independently.’

Strandbeesten – The New Generation is the book accompanying the exhibition Theo Jansen. Strandbeesten, de nieuwe generatie, which runs at the Kunstmuseum Den Haag from 26 February to 3 July 2022.

Theo Jansen began studying physics in Delft, then started work as an artist. Between 1986 and 2008 he was the author of a regular column in de Volkskrant. Jansen was named Artist of the Year 2018 in November 2017 and received The Hague’s Culture Award in 2018.