Minds On

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Exploring Ben Heine’s art

Check out the following video clip entitled 10 YEARS of Creative Pencil Vs Camera artworks by Ben Heine to learn more about the artist Ben Heine’s original art concept, created in 2010. Can you guess what the original concept might be?

Consider the video clip you previously explored and respond to the following questions in a method of your choice.

  • What two art forms are being combined in Ben Heine’s work?
  • How does this type of work stimulate imagination?
  • How do you feel about this concept? Why?

Action

Get ready, get set…

What is photography?

Photography is the art of capturing light to create an image and tell a story. Photography can use film or a digital sensor in a camera.

The first photograph can be traced back to the mid to late 1820’s in France. It was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. It captured the roof of a building lit by sunlight.

In the 1930’s, colour photography became popular when the company Kodak released “Kodachrome” film.

Today, many people can take photos on their smartphones, tablets, or other digital equipment.

Photographers connect with the world around them through their camera. With the right subject, the right light, and the right background, they can capture this connection.

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Ben Heine is a visual artist, music composer, and journalist from Belgium. He is a self-taught artist in photography, drawing, and music. Being self-taught means he did not formally train in any of these disciplines.

Heine is best known for the original series including “Pencil vs Camera” which you were introduced to in the Minds On section. His work has been exhibited in countless fairs and galleries around the world and have been published in well-known newspapers and magazines.

“Pencil vs Camera”

Heine invented the concept of “Pencil vs Camera” in 2010. With this art form, Heine is mixing mediums by combining his own original pencil sketches and photographs of people and landscapes to create timeless messages, filled with positivity.

His first step is to take a photograph. He then covers a portion of that photograph with a sketch. The sketch transforms what was in the original photograph into something reimagined. The sketch is always in black and white, which provides a contrast with the colours of the photograph.

Heine ensures that his own hand is visible in every piece. This gesture represents the connection between the audience, the artist, and the work itself.

“I find a location, then do the drawings, then take a photo to combine with the drawing. I like to stretch people’s imaginations”.
– Ben Heine

Use your knowledge of Ben Heine and “Pencil vs Camera” to answer the following true or false questions about Heine’s work.

Exploring “Pencil vs Camera” artwork

Explore the following artwork from Ben Heine’s “Pencil vs Camera” series.

As you explore each piece, consider how the connection between the audience, the artist, and the art all works together to communicate his message.

For each of the images you explored previously, how does Heine communicate his message of positivity?

Portfolio

Portfolio

Choose three of the art pieces you explored and answer the following questions.

Each photograph is telling a story. How does the sketch and the artist’s hand alter the original story?

Record your ideas in your art journal or in a method of your choice.

Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible reflection answer.

For the final image, the group collected in the shape of a heart brings a feeling of safety and connection among the group.

The hand in the piece brings the artist choices to the forefront and ask the audience to consider the choices he is making. The sketches interrupt the scene in the photograph and focus the audience’s attention to the reimagining but then allows them to re-consider the original scene as well. For example, in the crowd scene, I immediately noticed the group forming a heart but then I asked the question of why they created this formation, so I returned to the scene and imagined a feeling of connection through travel.

Consolidation

Putting it all together

Art response and reflection

Ben Heine combines photography and sketch to create his unique form of art.

  • Do you think that this work enhances or takes away from each of these art forms? Why? Use specific pieces to highlight your thoughts when possible.
  • How do you feel about his process of creating these pieces?

The title of this art form is “Pencil vs Camera”. Why do you think this is the title?

Consider the following statement by the artist Ben Heine:

“I make art for people. I want them to dream and forget their daily troubles. Each new creation should tell a story and generate an intense emotion, like a poem, like a melody”.
– Ben Heine

  • Do you think that Heine’s work communicates the stories he is hoping to share? Why or why not?
  • How do you feel about the inclusion of the artist’s hand in each piece?

Consider the subject matter in the pieces included in this learning activity.

  • Who or what is included in the artwork? Why do you think that is?
  • What is your personal response to Ben Heine’s artwork? Why?

Ben Heine, 2012. https://www.inspirefusion.com/pencil-vs-camera-artwork-by-ben-heine/

Ben Heine. https://benheine.com/biography/

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel…

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.

Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.

Using an online or concrete photograph, consider how you would adjust it using Ben Heine’s technique of adding a pencil sketch within the photograph?

What part of the photograph would you change or adjust to explore a different idea or perspective? How would that transformation change the story of the photograph?