Creating New Forms of Life

Theo Jansen is an artist who is building new forms of life.

He recently explained his universe to participants of the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference. You can watch his presentation here.

I know, I know. It's hard to accept the idea that his walking sculptures are a form of life, for God sake. But, well, listen to what he has to say before jumping to any conclusions. There is something awe-inspiring about his work. Something deeply playful. I found this on the TED site:

"His newest creatures walk without assistance on the beaches of Holland, powered by wind, captured by gossamer wings that flap and pump air into old lemonade bottles that in turn power the creatures' many plastic spindly legs. The walking sculptures look alive as they move, each leg articulating in such a way that the body is steady and level. They even incorporate primitive logic gates that are used to reverse the machine’s direction if it senses dangerous water or loose sand where it might get stuck."

This is fun stuff. Maybe the very stuff of fun. Art, science, vision, and deep, deep playfulness.



from Bernie DeKoven, funsmith