ArtScience Museum: Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests

Oh I’ve really gone and neglected this space. I originally intended to update this post on my trip, but realised that I’d forgotten to bring my reference photos, and then other things (such as sleep) soon took precedence over the blog. Oh well, I’m here and trying to pull my socks up with all the backlogged photos I’ve accumulated for the past year and change!

Adele and I visited the ArtScience Museum for the magical beasts that are Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests in July. I remember learning about these fantastical wind walkers back in art school a long time ago, and was super stoked to learn that they’d made they way across the seas to Singapore! Here are some of my favourites.

Outside the ArtScience Museum building at their lotus pond. Adele and I totally wore matching outfits even though we hadn’t planned for it!

I’m not sure if this was on purpose or if they’ve always been there, but the entrance to the exhibit showcased PVC support structures that are used in a lot of Strandbeests.

Animaris Sabulosa, 1993–1994
Sabulosa was the first animal capable of walking sideways against the direction of the wind. Also known as the ‘sandy skin beach animal’, the adhesive tape provides camouflage as sand gets stuck on it.

Part of Animaris Rigide Ancora, 1994–1997
This is a heavy roller that acts as an anchor for a Strandbeest fossil.

Got to learn basic physics in this short video on the Strandbeest’s Neural System – they use pistons!

One good reason to visit the ArtScience Museum before this exhibit ends is to have a go at moving these Strandbeests! I was so happy to finally get up close and personal with these amazing contraptions.

Animaris Ordis, 2006–2008
This can be animated by wind or by hand, like what I’m doing here.

Animaris Turgentia Vela, 2013–2015
The large sails enable it to change its speed according to a slight change in the strength of the wind.

A peek into Theo Jansen’s workspace. Check out that Atari computer!

Animaris Burchus Uminari, 2016–Present
It’s named Uminari – Japanese for ‘sea wave’ – because of its shape and undulating movement.

All those beautiful drawings of curves~

Animaris Siamesis, 2009–2011
Named Siamesis (Latin root for ‘twins’), the two bodies are anchored to each other to provide stability. Weighing over 200kg, this is the largest Strandbeest. However, it was unable to support itself on the beach. The next few photos are of the same Strandbeest:

I loved seeing the wear and tear of the wings.

Hi Adele!

I’ve got coloured contacts! They’re boring brown.

Animaris Umerus Segundus, 2009–2011
Plastic bottles store compressed air and allows automatic movement! However, it also collapsed under its own weight.