By KATHLYN STONE
CounterPunch
"Brussels, Belgium artist-activist Ben Heine makes powerful criticism through cartoons and illustrations. His work protesting imperialism and other human rights violations has an international following. The prolific and timely drawings range from dark and tough to sweet and tender. Artists in at least a half dozen countries have now dra wn cartoons of him.
Heine's work, particularly that relating to the crisis in Gaza, came under the notice of thousands of U.S. bloggers last year after his diaries, along with a handful of others, were banned from Daily Kos for their pro-Palestinian slant. In a reaction that's become familiar, site members equated sympathy for Palestinians with being anti-Israel, or even anti-Jew, and Heine and others were given the boot.
On the bright side, the flap gave him a wider U.S. audience and solidified the radical artist's resolve. He is part of a fascinating brotherhood and sisterhood of journalists and artists that are networking all over the globe and fighting wars and imperialsm their way.
Interviewed recently by phone, Heine talked about why he chose to get involved in the Palestinian struggle and who inspires him.....
A lot of your illustrations depict what is going on in Gaza. What led you to get involved in the Israel--Palestine issue?
Illustrations are a great way for activists to communicate information and help complete the purpose of an article. It's the way I choose to make people think and maybe change their behavior. Sometimes it works.
I focus especially on Palestine and Israel because I think it's one of the most important issues nowadays. I mean, several people die every week there, mostly Palestinians. I was really shocked by this a long time ago and decided to do something with my art.
Each time Israel attacks Palestine, I try to bring out a new drawing. I try to be fair and to bring the truth to people's eyes and also respect the ideas of writers who also want to convey the facts and the reality. The reality is that people are being oppressed by another people. Yes, I think that's one of the reasons I draw for Palestine......."
CounterPunch
"Brussels, Belgium artist-activist Ben Heine makes powerful criticism through cartoons and illustrations. His work protesting imperialism and other human rights violations has an international following. The prolific and timely drawings range from dark and tough to sweet and tender. Artists in at least a half dozen countries have now dra wn cartoons of him.
Heine's work, particularly that relating to the crisis in Gaza, came under the notice of thousands of U.S. bloggers last year after his diaries, along with a handful of others, were banned from Daily Kos for their pro-Palestinian slant. In a reaction that's become familiar, site members equated sympathy for Palestinians with being anti-Israel, or even anti-Jew, and Heine and others were given the boot.
On the bright side, the flap gave him a wider U.S. audience and solidified the radical artist's resolve. He is part of a fascinating brotherhood and sisterhood of journalists and artists that are networking all over the globe and fighting wars and imperialsm their way.
Interviewed recently by phone, Heine talked about why he chose to get involved in the Palestinian struggle and who inspires him.....
A lot of your illustrations depict what is going on in Gaza. What led you to get involved in the Israel--Palestine issue?
Illustrations are a great way for activists to communicate information and help complete the purpose of an article. It's the way I choose to make people think and maybe change their behavior. Sometimes it works.
I focus especially on Palestine and Israel because I think it's one of the most important issues nowadays. I mean, several people die every week there, mostly Palestinians. I was really shocked by this a long time ago and decided to do something with my art.
Each time Israel attacks Palestine, I try to bring out a new drawing. I try to be fair and to bring the truth to people's eyes and also respect the ideas of writers who also want to convey the facts and the reality. The reality is that people are being oppressed by another people. Yes, I think that's one of the reasons I draw for Palestine......."
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