Joseph Herscher

Joseph Herscher, born on January 14, 1985, in New York City, is a kinetic artist and YouTube personality known for his intricate and often humorous chain-reaction machines, frequently referred to as Rube Goldberg machines. His fascination with such contraptions began at an early age, creating his first notable machine, the ‘Lolly Machine,’ when he was five years old. After growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, he eventually returned to New York City, where he continued to develop his distinctive artistic practice. His work gained significant public attention through his YouTube channel, ‘Joseph’s Machines,’ which has accumulated over 3.34 million subscribers and 1.83 billion views since its inception in 2008. Herscher’s creative approach involves using everyday objects to construct elaborate sequences that perform simple tasks in uniquely complicated ways.

Herscher’s career includes significant milestones such as his 2013 Artist-in-Residence position at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina. During this residency, he undertook the creation of a major kinetic sculpture titled ‘The Dresser,’ which was constructed in a public gallery space, allowing visitors to observe and interact with his process. His work has been featured internationally, including at the 2011 Venice Biennial, where he orchestrated a large-scale plant-watering device involving 40 children. Other exhibition appearances include ‘Impetus and Movement’ at Ars Electronica in Berlin, Germany, and ‘Machines’ at the Quebec City Biennial in Canada. His creations have also been recognized in various media outlets, including The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The New Yorker, and on an episode of Sesame Street.

Beyond his art installations and viral videos, Joseph Herscher has expanded his artistic endeavors into television and web series. He created and starred in the 2015 comedy web series ‘Jiwi’s Machines,’ which featured his Kiwi-made contraptions. In July 2019, he co-created and launched another web series, ‘What’s Your Problem?’, produced by Augusto Entertainment. Herscher is also a public speaker, sharing insights into his creative process. As of June 2021, he resides in London, continuing to invent and produce his signature machines, which have captivated a global audience with their blend of engineering, physics, and comedic timing.