Most times when people speak about evolution, they do so as if it’s all ended with modern man. Of course that’s chutzpah; the evolutionary force will do what it wants. There is, however, a Dutch artist named Theo Jansen who intends to push it along. He’s spent decades “fathering” (or creating, take your choice) a race of kinetic sculptures he calls “Beach Creatures.” They move by themselves, neither eat nor drink nor sleep, and, he hopes, will be able to survive by themselves, depending only for life and animation on the power of the wind.
You don’t believe me? Watch Jansen and his creatures here:
(and if you’re interested there’s a longer film, part of a TED talk, here):
Think about what you’ve seen —
And then check out this youtube from the 60’s of Little Eva doing the “Locomotion” — They could be cheerleaders fifty years early for the coming of the Beach Creatures!
Wow… Fascinating. I hope to see one of these creatures in motion someday. 🙂
LikeLike
Wouldn’t that be a kick!!!!!!!!!!!
I would love it too —
LikeLike
Fascinating – I wish I had a mind that worked like his. But, until he finds a way for those beasties to procreate on their own, they’re tied to papa’s apron strings forever 😉
LikeLike
As you say — in your usual witty fashion — 😀
LikeLike
Awesome kinetic sculptures! Theo Jansen must be part artist and part engineer.
Have you viewed the BBC One video muted with the unmuted Locomotion video playing in the background? The kinetic sculptures look like they’re dancing to the Locomotion song.
Great post! Thank you for sharing. -Theresa
LikeLike
Oh, am I happy you suggested this!
I wanted to do just that, to listen and look, but am so tech unsavvy I couldn’t figure out how to do it.
Of course that’s what triggered the post in my mind, I love the song and as I watched the creatures I kept hearing the song in my head — but now I can REALLY hear it. Thank YOU, Theresa.
LikeLike
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Wow, wow, wow! Interesting post but a little unnerving. Perhaps I shouldn’t have read your post and seen the clips so close to bedtime. Those scampering sculptures are a little scary.
LikeLike
So did you have any INTERESTING dreams?????
🙂
LikeLike
Gosh there’s something beautiful, and so organic about the way they move. Fascinating stuff for a hazy friday!
M2M
LikeLike
It’s the “organic” that’s really mind-blowing to me —
I’d actually love to see them in action — but you’re a lot closer to the Netherlands than we are!
Thanks for coming by and commenting —-
LikeLike
Too bad that the song didn’t finish…
LikeLike
Yeah!
Thank you for coming by, I appreciate your visit.
LikeLike