Theo Jansen

Disruptive Innovator. Artist and designer. 21st Century Renaissance man.

English

Travels from

Netherlands

Ámsterdam

What are the Expert’s Topics?

Topics

Specific topics

Evolución de la especie strandbeest

Ingeniería y arte

Motivación y vocación

Sustainability

About the Expert

Who Is Theo Jansen?

Theo Jansen is a Dutch artist and engineer, often referred to as the “Leonardo Da Vinci of the 21st century” for his dedication to creating a new form of life: the *strandbeests* or “beach beasts.” Since 1990, Jansen has developed these kinetic creatures—skeletons made from yellow plastic tubes that harness the wind’s power to walk and move across the sand. His work has elevated kinetic sculpture to a remarkable level, blending art, engineering, and biomechanics in figures that resemble immense organic skeletons and appear almost alive.

What is his Background?

For over two decades, Theo Jansen has dedicated himself to refining his *strandbeests*, developing their evolution through “periods” that reflect each generation’s adaptation and improvement. Inspired by Darwin’s theory of evolution, Jansen uses natural selection and computer simulation to improve his creatures’ capabilities, choosing designs with the best “survival” potential on the beach. Each evolutionary cycle introduces new structural elements and abilities, and his work has gained such renown that his *strandbeests* are admired worldwide in exhibitions, museums, and lectures.

Speaker’s Conferences

What Are His Conferences Like?

Theo Jansen’s conferences are a captivating fusion of science, art, and philosophy. Through engaging storytelling, Jansen shares his vision and passion for creating new life forms, exploring the interaction between nature and engineering. His style is educational and immersive, inspiring attendees to question the limits of creativity and science. Audiences are fascinated by the concepts of evolution and engineering behind his *strandbeests*, gaining a fresh perspective on art and nature.

Selection of Conferences

Evolution and Art: The Story of the Strandbeests

Theo Jansen recounts the evolution of his *strandbeests*, creatures inspired by biology and engineering that move with the energy of the wind. In this talk, he describes the principles of design, adaptation, and continuous improvement guiding his work and shares how each generation of his beach beasts incorporates new capabilities.

Science and Creation: The Process Behind the Strandbeests

In this lecture, Jansen explores the intersection of science and art in developing his *strandbeests*. He explains the use of simulations and Darwinian models to “evolve” his creatures, allowing the audience to understand how he applies scientific concepts to bring his kinetic sculptures to life.

Engineering in Motion: How the Wind Gives Life to the Strandbeests

This talk details Jansen’s approach to biomechanics and how his creatures use wind as an energy source for movement. From material selection to structural design, the artist reveals the secrets behind these sculptures’ natural motion and adaptation to their environment.

Book Theo Jansen for your Event

Do You Want To Book Theo Jansen?

If you’re looking for an inspiring talk on art, science, and the evolution of new life forms, you can book Theo Jansen through Thinking Heads. As one of the most innovative figures in kinetic sculpture, Theo offers a unique perspective on combining creativity and science to create dynamic art forms. Contact Thinking Heads today for more information and to secure his participation in your next event.

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