Monday, February 16, 2009

Crazy Climber

In the spirit of Man on Wire, check out this insane picture of a man apparently scaling the side of a huge building. I have no context for this picture; I don't know who the guy is or what he's doing this for, but it's pretty incredible nonetheless. I can't imagine doing something like that.

5 comments:

Excaliborn7 said...

Unnerving, but I'm not sure that's a real pic.

coop said...

I did some more research, and I'm pretty sure the picture is real.

His name is Alain Robert, and his website (http://www.alainrobert.com/index.php/english/HOME.html) refers to him as "The French Spiderman." I'd say the name is apt.

You can read more about him on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alain_Robert). He's climbed the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, and the Sydney Opera House. He's also been arrested many times for his exploits. It sounds very similar to Man on Wire, in fact.

Excaliborn7 said...

Wow. Crazy. Very interesting. In this picture, it's mostly hard to believe because he's literally not holding onto anything with his hands! and the composition makes it look like a prime photoshop candidate. Nonetheless, people never cease to blow my mind, and some simply seem like they are aliens to begin with. Maybe they are!

Iris Alden said...

Yeah I agree that I'm totally convinced it's real either, and it kinda sucks as a work of art if it's not.

But if it is...

Wow.

Anonymous said...

My guess for the photo he's half-chimney-ing, supporting weight by wedging himself between the wall and putting pressure outwards (here between his right knee and his back). Also, I believe there are clearly excellent footholds in the building structure there, and his left foot is probably on one. I buy it.

Plus, if you want to see some amazing climbing skill, check out Chris Sharma:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlcQ3mxlNfs