Rock without roll – a new art in the balance

Balanced stones have been known since prehistoric times when they were used to create small walls or larger structures but now they are being used to create fascinating stone sculptures that defy belief.

French stone balancer Emmanuel Fourcade, 29, became interested after he found pictures and videos of artist and photographer Michael Grab and has now developed his own style and became known for it.

He was recently invited to an international art festival in Texas and the Pyrénées-Atlantique artist surprised audiences with works that saw stones piled one on another to create attractive shapes.

“It is a passion that requires a lot of work and concentration”, he said and admitted it took a lot of experimenting with stones until he mastered it.

In the Stone Age people would balance rocks to mark boundaries, signal the start of the sea shore, others for the top of the mountains, and others to create a barrier to honour a person who is buried.

Now the sculptures are for artistic reasons and, with the obvious risk of falling, Manu has had to learn how to photograph his works.

“I said to myself this is too beautiful, I have to make it immortal.”

He bought his first professional camera to accompany his adventures and learned to take photos through the Internet, developing skills that are very noticeable on his Instagram page.

However, the Pyrénées- is often accused of faking the artwork so now uploads videos on his social media platforms in order for sceptics to see his delicate work.

“If someone wants to be rational, it is always my pleasure to discuss it and try to explain. But, there is always those who insist on their views and don’t even want to listen”, he said.

Nicknamed Manu Topic in French, because it is pronounced as ‘utopique’, which means utopian, he also works as a leather tailor, but hopes to make an artistic career out of stone sculptures.

Attending the LIano Earth Fest in Texas last month – known as the biggest festival for ‘land art’ – was a breakthrough and he met many other artists from around the world which has encouraged him to continue.

“It was magical, there is no better words to describe the festival”, he said. “Seeing people from all ages trying to balance stones to create art was one of the best experiences in my life.”