"Who Is My Neighbor?" Art by John August Swanson

This collection of prints and posters created by John August Swanson speak to the Boston University School of Theology’s theme, Power, Privilege, and Prophetic Witness. Through colorful images and compelling text drawn from the Bible, writings by prominent theologians, poets, and activists, Swanson tells us the stories of those that inspire us to be better human beings. The viewer sees with our eyes how themes of ecology, assisting underserved populations, and equal rights for all are cries for justice and community. Depictions of figures like St. Francis of Assisi, and the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Daniel Berrigan, S.J., Pope Francis, John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and E.E. Cummings ask the viewer to consider the harsh truths about unfair wages, global warming, the strife of indigenous people, immigration reform, Black lives, and other complex social issues. Swanson serves to motivate us, to push us into action through expressive art and language. And hopefully, we accept his challenge, though the path to peace is riddled with pain, struggle, and sacrifice. Today, more than any other moment in recent history, we must explore the works of this artist to better understand ourselves so we may fight for a better world.