Jourdan McGowan’s artwork on display at Madison library relays deep emotions
MADISON – Jourdan Mc-Gowan, an award-winning visual artist from Birmingham, has been exhibiting his artwork at Madison Public Library.
A full-time artist, McGowan has his own art business, Art Of Truth LLC. He also owns a mobile art gallery called Rollin’ Walls.
McGowan’s interest for art has endured since childhood. “When I was a junior in college, I took a painting class for the first time. That’s where the real spark of interest began,” he said.
“I changed my major to art after taking my first painting course — motivated and inspired by my professor at Stillman College,” McGowan said. Practice to ‘learn his skill’ never stops. “I believe a true artist is always a student to the arts and that translates to how I live my life…always wanting to learn more,” McGowan said. “My goal is to inspire others to follow their endeavors and see them through. I hope I’ve done that for some.”
His work is on exhibit in Birmingham locations, including The Elyton Hotel’s The Yard restaurant and House Plant Collective. In Alabama, McGowan has won several awards of merit, including a Presidential Award as the highest award an artist can receive from a juried art show.
“The awards are great, but what really gives me a sense of winning and accomplishment is when I create art for people and families that mean so much to them it truly touches their hearts,” McGowan said. “I take great pride in creating art that can be cherished forever by my clients and the world.”
Depending on the project, Mc-Gowan uses various products of medium to high quality. “I typically shop at Hobby Lobby, but I also enjoy shopping at local art supply stores,” he said.
McGowan’s main medium is acrylic on canvas. He also works with acrylic on wood.
McGowan attended high school in Enterprise. He studied at Stillman College and later transferred to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama.
His wife, Maddie McGowan, works as a personal trainer in Mountain Brook. The McGowan’s two-year-old son is named Malachi.
“I enjoy all of the creative things I get to do (as) a full-time artist, like photography, music, poetry and videography, but my newest thing is an apprenticeship to become a licensed tattoo artist,” he said.
McGowan described some of his artwork:
• “Rooted” – Self-portrait, set against a horizon that feels both spiritual and earthly. “The figure looks ahead with quiet resolve, suggesting readiness and purpose. The roots behind him act as both memory and lineage — a reminder that when a person is nourished by a strong foundation, they’re prepared to step forward, grow beyond where they were planted and move into the world with clarity, identity and strength.” ($700)
• “Adam”- Places McGowan as a contemporary Adam in a present- day Garden of Eden, surrounded by the pull of sin. A serpent coiled around his neck and six hands offering fruit symbolize the seven deadly sins and nearby temptations. Varied skin tones of the hands reflect a universal truth…temptation belongs to no single culture or identity. Viewers can reflect on desire, self-restraint and the power we give to what calls us. ($1,300)
• Fruits of Our Labor- A child sits quietly reading the Bible, fully immersed in its words. “He consumes pieces of pages themselves– a visual metaphor for internalizing scripture rather than simply observing it. In his right hand, he holds a page that reads ‘You are what you consume,’ reinforcing the work’s central message. Surrounded by fruit, the child becomes a symbol of spiritual nourishment and growth,” McGowan said.
This piece reflects that what we feed our minds and spirits shapes who we become. “When we consume truth, wisdom and scripture, the fruit of that foundation begins to appear in our lives…a reminder that spiritual growth is not passive. It’s something we actively take in, allowing (transformation) from within,” he said. ($750)
• “The Cost of Elevation” — Examines the hidden weight behind success and visibility. Through layered imagery and expressive realism, the rising athlete symbolizes ambition, while fragmented elements reveal the mental, emotional and societal pressures that accompany growth. Viewers can reflect on required sacrifices and unseen factors when striving to rise higher. ($1,200)
• “The Greatest Walk” – A deeply personal tribute that transforms grief into peace. Depicting the artist’s late brother walking alongside Jesus on the shoreline, the painting becomes a visual prayer…a moment where earthly loss meets eternal comfort. The ocean’s gentle movement and Christ’s quiet presence symbolize guidance, protection and the promise that no one walks alone beyond this life.
Through expressive realism and emotional storytelling, McGowan honors both memory and faith, offering viewers a space to reflect on love that continues beyond physical presence. The piece stands not only as a farewell but as a reassurance … a reminder that every step taken in faith leads toward light, healing and reunion.
• “Stop Hiding” — Confronts tension between vulnerability and visibility. A hand reaches outward from darkness, partially concealing a face that struggles between exposure and retreat. McGowan captures the moment when fear, identity and truth collide asking whether we hide to protect ourselves or to avoid being fully seen.
“Stop Hiding” invites viewers to reflect on masks we hold in front of the world and the courage required to step beyond them. Rather than portraying weakness, the gesture becomes an act of awakening…a call to release shame, confront what lies beneath and move forward in authenticity. ($550) For more information, call 205368-0107, email artoftruth12@gmail. com or visit artoftruth.guru or Instagram: @mcgowan.gallery, @rollinwalls.
