Theo Jansen: The Great Pretender

Delft-based artist Theo Jansen (born 1948) became world-famous with his ingenious and impressive “beach beasts”—mechanical creatures that he places on beaches to roam freely by themselves, propelled by the wind.

The artist has been working on these new forms of life since 1990. “Beach beasts” are made from PVC electrical conduits, and get their energy from wind (and therefore, unlike sentient animals, do not have to eat). The evolution of these extraordinary creatures extends over many generations. Eventually, Jansen hopes to establish herds of these animals on the beaches. Repeating creation in this way, he hopes to learn more about existing nature: after all, he is tackling the same problems as the creator. This book—an expanded edition of Jansen’s popular 2013 monograph—recounts his experiences as God.