John August Swanson Poster Exhibit
Through January, Boston University School of Theology will exhibit the poster art of John August Swanson, a visual artist renowned for his rich, detailed, and vivid imagery.
Curated by Kara Jackman, archivist and research collections librarian, this collection of prints and posters speak to the STH theme: Power, Privilege, and Prophetic Witness. Through colorful images and compelling text drawn from the Bible and through writings by prominent theologians, poets, and activists, Swanson tells us the stories of those that inspire us to be better human beings. As viewers we see with our own eyes how themes of ecology, feeding the poor, and equal rights are all calls for justice and community. The exhibit is on display through January 2016 in the STH Community Center: 745 Commonwealth Avenue, B23-B24, Boston, MA.
John August Swanson bio:
He paints in oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media, and is an independent printmaker of limited edition serigraphs, lithographs and etchings. His art reflects the strong heritage of storytelling he inherited from his Mexican mother and Swedish father. John Swanson’s narrative is direct and easily understood. He addresses himself to human values, cultural roots, and his quest for self-discovery through visual images. These include Bible stories and social celebrations such as attending the circus, the concert, and the opera. He also tells of everyday existence, of city and country walks, of visits to the library, the train station or the schoolroom. All his parables optimistically embrace life and one’s spiritual transformation.
Mr. Swanson’s art is represented in the permanent collections of many museums, including three museums of the Smithsonian Institution: The National Museum of American History, The National Museum of American Art and The National Air and Space Museum. He is also included in the print collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, Harvard University’s Fogg Museum, the Tate Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. His painting THE PROCESSION is one of relatively few works by contemporary artists to be selected for the Vatican Museums’ Collection of Modern Religious Art. — About the Artist on JohnAugustSwanson.com.