Pencil versus Camera (inspired by the art of Ben Heine)
by Mahasti Mofazali
Exploring Creativity: Collingwood Students Collaborate with Ben Heine
This year, students in French 11 and French 11 Enriched at Collingwood School delved into the creative world of Belgian artist Ben Heine, renowned for his unique “Pencil vs Camera” series. Inspired by Heine’s artistic fusion of photography and pencil sketches, the students embarked on an exciting journey to create their own masterpieces, reflecting their thoughts and values.
The project encouraged students to explore a variety of themes, including environmental protection, human rights, family bonds, and the importance of community. Using Ben Heine’s innovative style as a guide, students combined hand-drawn sketches with real-life photographic elements, creating visually striking pieces that convey powerful messages.
A highlight of the experience was the opportunity to interact directly with Ben Heine via Zoom. This long-standing collaboration between the artist and Collingwood School has become a cornerstone of the French 11 curriculum. During the session, students shared their creations with Heine, who provided insightful feedback and encouragement, helping them refine their ideas and techniques.
This project not only enriched students’ artistic abilities but also allowed them to practice their French language skills in a meaningful and engaging context. By discussing their work with an international artist, they gained confidence in their ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions in a second language.
Collingwood’s collaboration with Ben Heine underscores the importance of blending art and language learning. The students’ works, which are as thought-provoking as they are visually captivating, stand as a testament to the creativity and dedication of these young artists.
To see their creations and draw inspiration from their innovative perspectives, explore the gallery of student work.
This year, students in French 11 and French 11 Enriched at Collingwood School delved into the creative world of Belgian artist Ben Heine, renowned for his unique “Pencil vs Camera” series. Inspired by Heine’s artistic fusion of photography and pencil sketches, the students embarked on an exciting journey to create their own masterpieces, reflecting their thoughts and values.
The project encouraged students to explore a variety of themes, including environmental protection, human rights, family bonds, and the importance of community. Using Ben Heine’s innovative style as a guide, students combined hand-drawn sketches with real-life photographic elements, creating visually striking pieces that convey powerful messages.
A highlight of the experience was the opportunity to interact directly with Ben Heine via Zoom. This long-standing collaboration between the artist and Collingwood School has become a cornerstone of the French 11 curriculum. During the session, students shared their creations with Heine, who provided insightful feedback and encouragement, helping them refine their ideas and techniques.
This project not only enriched students’ artistic abilities but also allowed them to practice their French language skills in a meaningful and engaging context. By discussing their work with an international artist, they gained confidence in their ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions in a second language.
Collingwood’s collaboration with Ben Heine underscores the importance of blending art and language learning. The students’ works, which are as thought-provoking as they are visually captivating, stand as a testament to the creativity and dedication of these young artists.
To see their creations and draw inspiration from their innovative perspectives, explore the gallery of student work.