Lena Herzog. Strandbeest. The Dream Machines of Theo Jansen

Theo Jansen, a Dutch artist, has been creating Strandbeests, or "beach creatures," for nearly two decades. These intricate kinetic sculptures are made of plastic and move, and even survive, on their own. Photographer and artist Lena Herzog followed the evolution of a new kinetic species for seven years and captured their meditative black and white in a traveling exhibition. The result is a work of art that showcases Jansen's imaginative vision and the compelling intersection of animate and inanimate in his creatures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2021
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

For seven years, photographer and artist Lena Herzog embarked on a captivating journey to document the remarkable evolution of a new kinetic species. These awe-inspiring creatures, known as "Strandbeests" or "beach creatures," are the brainchild of Dutch artist Theo Jansen, a visionary who has dedicated nearly two decades to creating these unique life forms that possess the ability to move and thrive independently. With their intricate designs reminiscent of insects but infused with bursts of equine energy, the Strandbeests are set to grace the beaches of Holland. As they gracefully sway in the wind, their gossamer wings transform into powerful sails, propelling them into action. It's as if they were alive, their delicate forms pulsating with a vitality that defies explanation. With an eye for detail, Herzog's photographic tribute captures the mesmerizing essence of Jansen's menagerie. In a meditative black and white, her images showcase Jansens imaginative vision, as well as the captivating interplay between animate and inanimate in his creatures. The result is a breathtaking work of art that stands on its own, offering a mesmerizing encounter with a surrealist brand of marvelous and introducing us to entirely new ideas about existence.

Weight: 3404g
Dimension: 347 x 250 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836548496
Edition number: Multilingual ed