In many parts of the world, piles of rocks have long dotted the landscape, playing a ceremonial role in different cultures and faiths. In other instances, though, these humble structures hold no deeper meaning and are simply an expression of art. On a hidden beach in Barbados, dozens of coral stones in various shapes and sizes have been meticulously balanced to form what is now playfully referred to as Barbados’ Stonehenge - a striking, miniature city of rock towers.
By: Omri Westmark
Date: 02:45 22.10.24
Last Update: 02:45 22.10.24
On the west coast of Barbados lies Paradise Beach, a serene stretch of sand where seawater gently lap against the shore. During the 1980s, the presence of the Cunard Paradise Hotel turned this otherwise quiet beach into a lively spot for sunbathers, with activities like watersports and horse-riding taking place throughout the day.
In 1992, the once popular hotel closed its doors, and shortly thereafter, the property was purchased by a group of real-estate developers who intended to convert it into a 5-star resort. However, the ambitious project soon faced financial difficulties, was never completed, and has since been abandoned, with its skeletal remains slowly reclaimed by nature with every passing day.
This change transformed the area from a crowded waterfront into a secluded nook with significantly fewer visitors than during its heyday. Instead of a luxury hotel complex for the ultra-rich, Paradise Beach is now home to a cluster of quirky, seaside sculptures that seem to disobey the laws of physics.
In the last couple of years, Philip King, a local artist, began stacking differently-sized rocks on top of each other as a form of meditation. Over time, these modest piles evolved into the towering sculptures that now adorn the northern tip of the beach.
King carefully selects each rock, matching its weight and shape to find the perfect balance, resulting in transient monuments that stand around six feet tall. Each piece appears to defy gravity, as if shaped by nature into an art installation.
At any given time, there are often around thirty of these sculptures scattered along the water’s edge, with their structure ever so slightly reshaped whenever tides or curious passersby dislodge a stone or two. Still, King patiently returns to rebuild his works, and their cycle of impermanence persists.
While some onlookers see figures in the balanced rocks – angels, mermaids, or even human-like shapes, others appreciate them for their simplicity, as natural forms arranged in an intentional way. What makes the Standing Stones especially intriguing is their fragility. The ocean claims them as easily as King creates them, making every visit a unique experience.
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
