Walking Sculptures

Artist Theo Jansen's first sculpture was a giant flying saucer that flew above the Dutch town of Delft in 1980 and caused a massive commotion. Since then, he has created a number of phenomenal wind-powered sculptures, part of what he calls a "new nature" in which "not pollen or seeds but plastic yellow tubes are used as the basic matierial," he explains on his website. Eventually, Jansen hopes to "put these animals out in herds on the beaches, so they will live their own lives," he says.

His Animaris Rhinoceros Project consists of a two ton, 15 and a half foot tall steel and polyester "walking cart" complete with passenger seating for beach animals to use for transport (since wheels don't work well on sand). "It is meant for crossing the tundra," he says. "Due to the fact that one must wait until strong wind comes from the right direction, living quarters must be made in the animal to make travel agreeable." The cart can also be put into motion by a single person; in 2004, it was pulled by a group of teenagers and placed on a plinth on the Alberda Canal in order to roam free.

Check out Jansen's magnificent creations in this must-see short video.