Bio-mechanical Machines of the Isle of Nantes

These bio-mechanical machines are really up my street. They feature in a cultural exhibit built in a former shipyard in the French city of Nantes.

I love the combination of materials used to give the natural leathery texture of elephant skin, and the soft sheets for its flapping ears. Being able to see the mechanical parts might in some way be due to the practicality of the engineering design, but at the same time, this adds to the style of these works.

The character of these creatures just seems to be brought to life amazingly well, and the whole package with the combination of nature, mechanics and the ability to ride them, just works!

They remind me of Feric’s illustrations brought to life, or some creations out of anime films by Studio Ghibli.

It must have taken quite a vision to conceive these ideas, but most of all to bring together a budget to make these exhibits a reality.

See more photos of The Machines of the Isle of Nantes

See the elephant in motion below

See a video of the squid being operated

Via Wired.com

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