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For Gavin Jordan, participating in the Making Home exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has been a profoundly enriching experience. As part of the Black Artists + Designers Guild's (BADG) Underground Library, Gavin’s work is featured alongside 25 site-specific installations that explore the evolving concept of home across diverse contexts in the United States, U.S. Territories, and Tribal Nations.
“I never imagined my art would one day be exhibited in a historic space like the Carnegie Mansion, surrounded by artists and designers redefining what home means,” Gavin reflects. “Balancing my corporate career with my passion for art has been challenging, but moments like this make it incredibly rewarding.”
The Dual Path: Art and Corporate Life
Gavin’s artistic journey began as a way to balance the stresses of his corporate career. In 2016, he rekindled his love for art after randomly purchasing pencils to find relief from work pressures. “Art became my refuge—a way to decompress and express myself beyond the confines of the corporate world,” he shares. “Picking up a pencil again felt like reconnecting with a long-lost friend.”
“Maintaining both careers requires balance and dedication,” he notes. “My work in finance sharpens my analytical skills, while art allows me to explore creativity and emotion.”
Colors in Flux: Telling a Universal Story
Gavin’s featured piece, "Colors in Flux: Dreams Anew," is a vivid narrative set in the vibrant tapestry of Port-au-Prince’s slums. It depicts a family at a pivotal moment, with a father carrying his daughter and their shared dreams against a backdrop of shifting colors symbolizing hope and change.
“The painting reflects the universal experience of transition and the courage it takes to embrace the unknown,” Gavin explains. “It's a theme that resonates with my own life—juggling the predictability of the corporate world with the unpredictability of artistic creation.”
The Underground Library: Reimagining the Power of Stories
Being part of the Underground Library, curated by BADG, holds special significance for Gavin. “The Underground Library reclaims libraries as spaces of empowerment, centering Black history and culture,” he says. “Contributing to this project while still active in my corporate role emphasizes that our stories and creativity are multifaceted.”
He draws inspiration from the legacy of the Underground Railroad and Andrew Carnegie’s vision of libraries as places for knowledge and growth. “Participating in this exhibition allows me to merge my professional experiences with my artistic endeavors, inviting others to reflect on what home and resilience mean to them.”
A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
For Gavin, the exhibition marks a significant milestone. “This opportunity challenged me to delve deeper into my personal narratives and how they intersect with broader themes of home and identity,” he shares. “Connecting with fellow artists who are also navigating multiple roles in their lives has been incredibly affirming.”
He expresses gratitude to the Smithsonian and BADG for providing a platform that elevates diverse voices. “It's vital for artists of colour, whether full-time or balancing other careers, to have spaces where our stories are heard,” Gavin emphasizes. “I'm thankful to be part of this meaningful conversation.”
Looking Forward
As the Making Home exhibition continues through August 2025, Gavin is eager to see the impact of his work on audiences. “I hope visitors find a piece of their own journey in my art,” he says. “Understanding that it's possible to pursue your passions alongside other commitments is a message I want to convey.”
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