If you repeat the word ‘wind’ often enough it will start blowing. (Theo Jansen)
I took this photo three years ago when one of the Strandbeesten was on display at Lange Voorhout, one of the oldest streets in the Hague. You can see the linden trees (Tilia) which were planted in the early 16th century.
On his website, Theo Jansen explains how the Strandbeesten came to be. In short videos he describes the development of the neural system, leg system and waterfeeler system – essential for survival on the beach.
The main component is cheap yellow PVC tubing (around 2,000 to 3,000 metres per animal) with tie clips and empty PET bottles. An animal weighs around 180 kg. Jansen would prefer to use bamboo (more ecological) but this would not survive on the beach.
A diagram shows the evolution and family tree since the ‘Pregluton’ phase of 1989. In the winter Jansen works on developing the next generation which is tested on the beach the following summer. That species of Strandbeest is then declared extinct.
People pay to be on Scheveningen beach (north of the pier) when Jansen tests the new animal, and the 2026 sessions filled quickly. Here are some videos instead:
Imagine 5 Gallery – Fantastic beasts brought to life by the wind
Jansen gives a brief explanation as a number of Strandbeesten are about to be exhibited in the Kunstmusuem (2022).
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