Rhema “Jordan” Labbe is a Washington, D.C.-based painter and interdisciplinary artist whose work is rooted in an exploration of identity, memory, and non-linear experience. Grounded in painting as a central medium, their practice integrates gestural forms and written language to create abstract compositions that investigate the interplay between personal and collective narratives. Drawing philosophical influence from artists like Jack Whitten and the improvisational nature of jazz, Jordan transforms emotive and spiritual experiences into physical and experiential forms.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Painting and Creative Writing from Muhlenberg College, Jordan bridges visual and textual elements, drawing on a lineage of artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Glenn Ligon. Their work reflects on themes of spiritual resonance, cultural history, and the layered complexities of identity—reconciling conflicting aspects of self and fostering dialogue about interconnectedness and healing.
Jordan has participated in artist residencies in Washington, D.C., New York, and Japan, including as the inaugural resident artist at Eaton in 2018, where they developed a body of work at the intersection of painting, sound, and social change. Their most recent residency at SARUYA in Fujiyoshida, Japan, further expanded their exploration of cultural exchange and abstraction.
In addition to exhibiting work in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Japan, Jordan curates art and design experiences that center collective healing and shared creative expression. Through their practice, both in the studio and in community spaces, Jordan is committed to cultivating environments that foster reflection, connection, and healing.
