My art and poetry is very political now. Because you've got to

In the great expanse of human history, there have always been those who used their art and poetry as tools for resistance, to speak truth when the world seemed to turn a blind eye. Jack Bowman’s words, “My art and poetry is very political now. Because you’ve got to find that truth within you and express yourself. Somewhere out there, I know, there will be people who will listen,” are a call to arms, not in the form of weapons, but in the form of words and artistic expression. These words, though spoken in the present day, resonate with the timeless wisdom of ancient poets and artists who used their works not merely for personal expression but as a means of confronting the powers that be and revealing truths hidden beneath the surface of society.

In the ancient world, poetry was often used as a vehicle for political change and social commentary. Consider Sophocles, the great playwright of ancient Greece, whose works like "Antigone" and "Oedipus Rex" were not just entertaining dramas but deep examinations of justice, power, and the moral conflicts of individuals within the state. Antigone, for example, defies the king’s decree, acting out of a higher moral obligation, and through her tragic end, the audience is forced to reckon with the tension between law and divine truth. The poet and the artist, in this sense, were not only creators but also instructors—challenging the status quo and offering a lens through which the people could see the world more clearly. Bowman, like these ancient creators, understands that art can be both a personal expression and a weapon in the fight for justice.

This political turn in Bowman’s work is not just a modern phenomenon. It is the continuation of a long tradition of artists who have turned their craft toward speaking truth to power. Pablo Neruda, the Chilean poet, is an example of this. His poetry, steeped in the language of socialism and revolution, became a voice for the oppressed during the tumultuous times in his country. Neruda’s poetry was both a declaration of love for the earth and an unwavering call for the people to rise against tyranny. He understood that poetry was not just a personal pursuit but a force of change. Similarly, Bowman sees his art as a tool of truth, an expression of the very essence of human dignity and freedom in a world that often seeks to silence those who speak boldly.

The power of poetry and art lies in their ability to reach into the soul of a society, to expose its weaknesses and truths, and to inspire action. Neruda’s work, like Bowman’s, reminds us that poetry is a deeply political act. It is a call to the listener to look inward and outward—to examine not just the self, but the world around them. The poet, in this context, becomes a prophet of sorts, a figure who carries the collective hopes, dreams, and frustrations of the people. By finding the truth within oneself, the poet connects not just to their own experience but to the universal struggles of those who are voiceless. As Bowman suggests, there will always be those who listen, those who recognize the power of words and who are moved to action by the truths they uncover.

Yet, Bowman’s words also carry a deeper message about the nature of art itself. Art, and poetry in particular, are not meant to be passive or simply decorative; they are meant to be lived. They are tools to help us confront the complexities of life and the injustices that pervade our world. William Blake, the English poet and artist, famously said, "I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man’s." Blake’s entire life was a pursuit of truth—both personal and political—and his work was a rebellion against the forces that sought to control the individual spirit. He understood that in expressing oneself, in finding the truth within and sharing it with the world, one becomes free.

The lesson we can draw from Bowman’s words is one of courage and commitment to one’s own truth. It is not enough to live quietly in the world; we must seek to speak and create in ways that challenge, that inspire, and that resist the forces that seek to suppress our voices. Like Bowman, we must understand that art and poetry are not separate from the real world, but are deeply intertwined with the struggles of society. The poet, the artist, the activist—they all share the same goal: to reveal the truths of our human condition and to transform the world by confronting the systems that perpetuate injustice.

In your own life, embrace the power of art as a force of change. Whether you write, paint, sing, or engage in any other form of creative expression, recognize that your work has the potential to challenge the world around you. Do not shy away from expressing the truth within you, even when it feels uncomfortable or difficult. Like Bowman, understand that your art is not just for your own satisfaction but for the greater good of those who will hear it, see it, or feel it. And, in the spirit of the ancient poets and modern activists, know that there will always be those who listen—those whose hearts will be awakened by your words, and whose actions will be stirred by your courage. Let your creativity be a beacon for the truth, and in doing so, become a part of the long and noble tradition of artists who shape the world through their art.