03 September 2009

Herd of beach creatures



Artist Theo Jansen is demonstrating how his kinetic sculptures move along and survive on the Dutch beach.
Such strandbeesten get their energy from the wind rather than from food. They have a simple brain, allowing them to reverse direction or fix themselves when they sense danger from water, loose sand or storms.
The very purpose of Jansen's project (that began 18 years ago) was to create a new form of life - beach animals powered by the wind - that would eventually live in herds and survive on their own.
Each animal has a unique genetic code, says Jansen. Only the winning ones will multiply.

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