Ben Heine Art and Music Blog: December 2008

I was recently invited by Benjamin Moriamé to host a conference on the theme "Art and Militancy" at the FUCID (FUCID, in English: "University Foundation of International Cooperation for Development"). I explained my evolution as a political illustrator, I spoke about the importance of political art nowadays and I also focused on the limits of freedom of expression in political cartooning.

I've illustrated in the past several bulletins published by the FUCID. The FUCID is a non-governmental organization located in the University campus of Namur, Belgium. It intends to bring lasting social, political and environmental changes and promotes solidarity and citizenship.

Warm thanks to Benjamin Moriamé for inviting me and for giving me the chance to use my freedom of speech and have an interesting debate with students. Benjamin Moriamé is a Belgian journalist working for the FUCID and as a freelance for La Libre Belgique, Le Soir, Vers l'Avenir and several other magazines.
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My portrait by
Ercan Baysal

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Thank you Ercan,
I find it completely beautiful !
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Ercan Baysal is a Turkish
artist living in Izmir. See some
of his amazing drawings on ToonPool
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L . O . V . E
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And I
Love
You So
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By Peter S. Quinn

And I love you so
In my wandering ways
Like the clouds that go
In the manner that plays
Lost and found everyone
Where the days meet night
And we are so alone
In the lost of late flight

With a heart catching fire
From the day of never come
Any loving aspiring desire
Where every love is from
Emotions of deep oceans
That reaches to the land
Flights of such devotions
Only we may understand

For this I love you so
In timeless space of thought
Like a morning coming glow
Those rainbows have taught
Something inside quite dear
Of every peripatetic play
When love is so much near
In words of closeness say
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The poem appeared on
petersquinn.blogspot.com

PS : I took the photo last summer in Portugal.
Check out a similar photo I took
at the same beach : Love is Everywhere
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Yin and Yang
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Yin and Yang
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By Mohan Sawhney

in every dusk a new dawning
in every cloud a new lining
in every storm a new calming
in every winter a new warming

in every hurt a new caring
in every frown a new smiling
in every silence a new calling
in every crime a new forgiving

in every sleep a new awakening
in every shunning a new welcoming
in every condemning a new redeeming
in every betrayal a new believing

in every coincidence a new meaning
in every being a new becoming
in every hiding a new revealing
in every end a new beginning

(The poem appeared on
Mohansawhney.com)

Info: In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang is used to describe how seemingly opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn. The concept lies at the heart of many branches of classical Chinese science and philosophy, as well as being a primary guideline of traditional Chinese medicine, and a central principle of several forms of martial arts and exercise, such as taijiquan, gung fu and qigong. Many natural dualities - e.g. dark and light, female and male, low and high - are cast in Chinese thought as yin yang.

The relationship between yin and yang is often described in terms of sunlight playing over a mountain and in the valley. Yin (literally the 'shady place' or 'north slope' ) is the dark area occluded by the mountain's bulk, while yang (literally the 'sunny place' or 'south slope' ) is the brightly lit portion. As the sun moves across the sky, yin and yang gradually trade places with each other, revealing what was obscured and obscuring what was revealed. Yin is usually characterized as slow, soft, insubstantial, diffuse, cold, wet, and tranquil. It is generally associated with the feminine, birth and generation, and with the night. Yang, by contrast, is characterized as hard, fast, solid, dry, focused, hot, and aggressive. It is associated with masculinity and daytime.

Yin and yang are complementary opposites within a greater whole. Everything has both yin and yang aspects, which constantly interact, never existing in absolute stasis. (Source: Wikipedia)
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Mario Morris

© 2008 - Ben Heine
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Enter the Bizzare World of Mario Morris,
award winning Comedy Magician.

I met Mario last summer while he
was performing in Lisbon Portugal.

I was really amazed by his great tricks
and sense of humour. I actually think
they are many many similarities
between cartooning and magic.

Mario combines his talents into
a hilarious comedy magic show.
He unleashes havoc in his performance.

The show will take you on a journey of
hysterical mystery, DANGER,
and comedy chaos.

Let Me Feel
Your Cosmos
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Bring Me to
Your Heart

By Peter S. Quinn

Bring me to your heart,
Where dreams won't die;
Everything is world apart,
Open space and its sky.
Let me feel your cosmos,
Inside where feelings are;
Outside is never too close,
Everything essences afar.

Bring me to your love,
Where our wings fly on free;
Far about the clouds above,
Thoughts for you and me.
Give me sense to build on,
Find the way to new hope;
In an instant perhaps it's gone,
Through time's oscilloscope.

Bring me to my senses,
Never let my searching die;
Oddly meeting sequences,
Short memories away will fly.
Footsteps in the sand vanish,
Who knows and who will care?
What oblivion time banish,
If this road goes to nowhere.

(The poem appeared on
petersquinn.blogspot.com)

PS : Taken in Paris last Summer
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Penniless
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The Economy

By Linda Settles

Living above it
I go on the web and the bad news is posted every day
Our nation and indeed the world, is in a "bad way,"
As my Grandpa used to say.

Banks have failed and panic reigns in the capitals of kings
Homes are lost as markets crumble & wealth takes wings
and vanishes from our life scene.

If our wealth is our power and our primary source of security
We may be tempted to find a window-- as many in the thirties
did and jump from floor thirteen.

Before we open windows and pull up a chair in our despair
We should stop, and reconsider our decision...
All is not lost and poverty is not a prison.

All losses we experience --here-- on this terrestrial plane
Are merely preparation for the treasures we will gain
If we will look beyond the prospect of our pain

We'll see a world that hid behind our wealth and prosperity
Treasures that are unaffected by this world's economy
We'll walk the woods, as Grandpa did.

A simple man, without a B.A., M.A., or PhD
His house was humble, his friends were many
and I knew that he loved me.

The woods, the streams, and even mosquito infested swamps
Were treasures in his eyes, Maybe Grandpa, after all
Knew where to find the prize

Of living well, a simple life that needed few possessions
The sunset, a deer taken, or a turkey call--a few concessions
to his comforts--these were his mansions.

What is there to fear in the instability of our economy
If we live like Grandpa did? In the midst of what some call poverty
He learned to live each day and to be free.

World markets may crumble and the Dow take its plunge
But we won't be affected if our economy is love.

(The poem appeared on authorsden.com)

We March Onward In
The Footprints Of Revolution
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Ode To Change
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By thepoetryman
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(This poem is for President Elect
Barack Obama... and hope.)
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How is it possible-
that, in an age of such a shredded foundation,
that, in an age of such unprecedented warring,
that, in an age of such unequaled corruption and
terrible sadness, a moment as this could come?

How is it possible-
that, after such machinations of greed and hubris,
we have the power to have witnessed this;
the moment now bending its light upon us,
directing us forward to our better selves?

How is it possible-
that we now proceed with this stunning milestone,
that we march onward in the footprints of revolution
though the course is not curved of our choosing
and the strident shriek of the dying covers our skies?

How is it possible-
that we have stumbled to our rightful place of account,
wandered in on such lustrous and cheerful promise
standing now before our grasp, yet still untaken,
unused, and ready for our hands to shape into our art?

How is it possible-
with the end written before the bright and new beginning,
with our expectations rutted in dishonest obligation,
with the world’s eyes having peered down into our shame,
that our pathway is not ruled by immeasurable detonation?

How is it possible-
that, with such divergence and fragmentary mourning,
with stained waters and sky distorting our reflection,
with our differences still hidden in the visage of ghosts,
we were able to land here without knowing what’s next?

How is it possible-
that the air that we scorch doesn’t blink or make a sound
as we push and shove our burning way through it
with sorrow at our flank speaking of others as mere fodder
for our wholly unrestrained hubristic nourishment?

How is it possible-
that this plot has begun at the end of such torturous ire,
at the back of gloom instead of the heart of illumination?
That this moment even has words like hope and change within it
is certainly the most astounding thing of all!

The Divine Child Reborn

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Is It Just Only
An Abracadabra?

By Peter S. Quinn

Christ has its many faces
And now it's like this
A cool monkey graces
The cradle that once was his

For our world is carefree
In all our endeavoring
And we like what we see
In our seeds and flowering

Though we are just the cell
Of space time and beyond
And cannot there foretell
What our heart has found

But isn't there - something there
Still unmarked or seen
For some close and near
And other just in between

Christ what is this phenomena
That tulips glow and shine
Is it just only an abracadabra?
To draw a religious border-line

We only have faith to believe
And can't get on to knowing
Beyond our veracity sleeve
If it’s only a superstar
Or more showing…

(The poem appeared on Peter S. Quinn's PoemHunter's page)
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Global Crisis

Global Recession,
Is it Possible?

By Nextwave.org

“The world economy is now entering a major downturn in the face of the most dangerous shock in mature financial markets since the 1930s,” claims the International Monetary Fund (imf.org).

It appears that the IMF, the European Union, and World Bank have been quite busy bailing out one country or another. The latest $25 billion financing package for Hungary comes on the heels of two other financing packages distributed as emergency loans to Iceland and the Ukraine. These countries are dealing with their own problems of oversees borrowing and rapid credit growth.

The IMF has a $200 billion loanable fund and other resources from which to draw to stem the fallout from the global financial turmoil. The IMF works by parachuting in when a member country faces extenuating circumstances that threaten its financial stability. A rapid response is needed to contain the damage to the country or the international monetary system. Judging by all the money loaned out so far, there’s indication that some countries are either in a recession or tipping into one. In early October, the world’s central banks administered emergency measures, including a round of coordinated interest rate cuts.

If that weren’t enough, the financial turmoil is already beginning to slow growth in some emerging markets, such as China. When emerging and developing economies are feeling the impact of the global financial crisis, it is an indicator of a major slowdown in the global economy. This, coupled with global growth slowing down sharply, all point to a global recession. The following are some of the factors that can cause crises in emerging countries:

- collapse of export prices
- drastic increase in import prices
- anemic foreign investments and capital flows
- large depreciation or devaluation of the currency of a close trading partner. In this case, the U.S.
- sharp increase in interest rates in world markets

>>> Read the full article

Sunset, Sunrise

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Sunset, Sunrise

By Peter S. Quinn

It's sunset, sunrise,
Life's an eternal surprise,
And yellow dark skies!

God is here dwelling,
Like the Gospels are telling,
Dark oceans felling!

You, beautiful sky,
Enchanting afar and high,
As the time flows by!

Golden Heaven gates,
Distant between nights and dates,
Sun behind clouds waits!

Moments in twilight,
Still between dark and bright,
Showing strength and might!

Each song is singing,
All the glory in bringing,
Before it's springing!

Where will moments go,
After they stop its day glow,
Abide night will grow!

Let there be light more,
Step into the sky parlor,
Daybreak's open door!

There's no end to this,
Space is unknown abysses,
Life a breathing kiss!

Nothing new or old,
Every has been before told,
In clay it is mold!

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(The poem appeared
on petersquinn.blogspot.com)

PS : I took the photo
in Lisbon, Portugal
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If I could Fly...

...f r e e d o m would be mine

Bring the Light
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By Peter S. Quinn

Come come morning come
Freshness awaits me then
Tickle each bosom blossom
When they will feel you again
Rise to the edge of the sea
Bring the light there on
Billows that waves so free
Never to shore are all done

A bird in a nest is to fly
Finding the freedom in wings
Reaching the horizons sky
Wondering what morning brings
Flocking to oceans wide
Searching for something to eat
Into the deep they glide
Every small motion to read

Come come to day newborn
With every aspect of light
Dark gown is becoming worn
Taking its dim and the night
Faraway times going around
Each with its moments to turn
Somewhere a glow they've found
To give to the new morning burn

(The poem appeared on petersquinn.blogspot.com)

PS : I took the photo last Summer
in The Hague, in the Netherlands
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New Blog Associate,
Peter S. Quinn

© 2008 - Ben Heine
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Just for your info, Peter S. Quinn is now
my new "associate" on the blogosphere.
I will use his poetry on a regular basis
to accompany my graphic work.

His poems are terrific and represent a
great source of inspiration for me.

Peter has been very prolific, - with more than
15 thousand music works/instrumental songs,
and over 10 thousand poems and lyrics.

You can find nearly 7 thousand music works
and more than 5 thousand poems and
lyrics by him on the internet.

Check out his blog and
his page on PoemHunter
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How to Screw the People,
Twice... at Least
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By Raja Chemayel

Three Top Car Manufacturing Presidents
flew last week to Washington , to request a donation ,
called "bail-out".

Each came by his own Private Jet , separately.
It is remarkable ,to see ,three beggars
landing in three different Private jets.......

yes, but that is all part of the American Dream.

Practically this is all US Tax-money
collected from those who once ( or many times)
have bought cars from them
and logically have paid sales-tax , among all other taxes.

There it is Folks !!!

In America you buy a car , you pay taxes,
and George Bush gives your taxes back to those
who have sold you the car... in the first place.

The American Dream :
or "How to screw the people twice"... at least.

When you have bought an American Car
and have lost one son fighting to steal the Iraqi oil
which went inside your American-car at a higher price
and then G.W. Bush gives away your Tax money to those
who sold you the car that consumed that Iraqi oil.....
that cost you one son.

Then , how often have you been screwed ??
by the US Governement,
more than twice !! Surely.
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(Thank you Raja!)
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Almost There
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Some Ways

By Peter S. Quinn

Some ways will never leave
For someone put them there
They are old ways archives
Buildings with a spiral stair

Blacker than dreams inside
People are making walls
Where they in their ways hide
When some stranger calls

Nothing can be done then right
Silences are giving terms
Into the lonesome way of night
The status quo of the perms
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(The poem appeared on petersquinn.blogspot.com)

PS : This is a long exposure shot I made
by night somewhere in the centre of Brussels
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Mother Africa
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Strong Hands of
Mother Africa
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By J. Joy Matthews Alford

Strong hands of Mother Africa
Awaken places deep inside me
Where my ancestors dwell
Like distant echoes, your heart-beat
Reverberates off Kilimanjaro’s mountain-tops
Pulses down the Nile
Crosses the Sudan
And flows into my soul

Strong hands of Mother Africa
Call my absent spirit
To return and commune with the elders
Those who sojourned before me
Now light my path and
Await my homecoming

Strong hands of Mother Africa
Reveal to me my history
Teach me the ways of my true homeland;
Unmask the mysteries and tragedies
Of this altered consciousness
Awaken in my mind and body
The un-ripened seeds of truth,
Power, and pride
Solve for me the paradox of my mortality.

Strong hands of Mother Africa
My soul dances to your ancient rhythm
Pulsing, ever pulsing, through the veins of time
Teach me to beat Africa drums
So that I, too, may guide
Another absent spirit to your shores
So that I, too may guide another absent spirit
Home!

(The poem appeared on : authorsden.com)

2009 Calendars

2009 calendar with a selection of my political works,
now available in high quality prints. Click HERE

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2009 calendar with a selection of my photos,
now available in high quality prints. Click HERE

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2009 calendar with a selection of my non-political
works, now available in high quality prints. Click HERE

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2009 calendar with a selection of my portraits,
now available in high quality prints. Click HERE

Note : The 12 thumbnails are reframed and miniaturized versions of each illustration, the calendar presents the full illustrations in high resolution

ICT Overdose

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I'm a Martyr
of the Keyboard
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By Peter S Quinn (*)

I type all day long
Into the request deep
Sometimes it’ll ping-pong
Right into my sleep
I'm a martyr of the keyboard
Going down deep under
To the alphabet lord
God of the ticktick thunder!

I'll type for a request
Just to please and be ready
I'll try to do my best
If my fingers go on steady
This and that comes out
I have no complete control
Automation knows its ways about
Around the ‘key-mole’
And keyhole

I type all day to spark
And give it a steady beat
But sometimes it’ll all lack
Except its little tweet
This maybe a dark poetry read
With not much in deeper meaning
But to somewhere it will lead
In a steady and closer
Screening

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(*) Peter has been very prolific, - with more than 15 thousand music works /instrumental songs, and over 10 thousand poems and lyrics. You can find nearly 7 thousand music works and more than 5 thousand poems and lyrics by him on the internet. Don't miss his frequently updated blog

--> The poem was created by Peter S Quinn for this particular image. Thank you Peter.
--> ICT = Information and Communications Technologies
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Get a High Quality Print

of one of my Creations

I recently received several requests
to make my illustrations available in prints.
.
You can now get different high quality prints of my best works via my
"Deviant Art Shop" (Including Postcards, Greeting Cards, Calendars,
Puzzles, Mouse Pads, Mugs, Magnets, Coasters and much more).
.
When you have selected an image in my Deviant Art gallery,
just click on "buy this print", choose the size and product you want...
The item will be sent to you by post. It's safe, easy and quick :)
.
If there is any trouble in this process, feel free
to contact me

Thanks a lot for your support and for your interest.
.
Example :
..

Deviant Art Shop

African Continent
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Ode To An Elephant
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By Marjorie DeNaut Abner

Oh magnificent giant of the jungle
Born with tusks of ivory
Instead of your protection
They threaten your extinction
The circus is in town
Remember most the elephants
Instead of the Clowns
Entering the tent with an overwhelming rush
Gliding smoothly whisper soft across the ground
Your great strength and wisdom
Put to use extricating woods of value
So deep within the forest
With love and protection for your family
Let this generation not to be known
To allow your demise
Like the dinosaur don't become
Just a figure in a museum
Or a picture in a book
Silence forever the poacher's gun
Let the elephant be the one who won!

(The poem appeared on poemhunter.com)
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Kind gift for me from
"Barcoded Maggot"

This is a graphic tribute
from "Barcoded Maggot".
Thanks a lot, I really like all
these symbols and soft colours.
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By the way, I strongly recommend
Barcoded Maggot's artistic and political work

Publication in Rolling Stone
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My cartoon titled "Facebook Vs Myspace" was
published in the German version of Rolling Stone
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Many thanks to the editors!
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Ercan Baysal
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Ercan Baysal is
a Turkish artist
living in Izmir.
See some of
his creations
on ToonPool
.