A creator of thought, form, and cultural narratives, Jordan “J Lü” Lumpkins work centers on the complexities of identity formation for young Black males and the emotional depth of human experience. His artistic practice resembles a builder's approach, constructing each painting by meticulously layering an assortment of media. This process reveals both the physical and emotional layers that define personal and collective identity. Emotions and historical narratives blend and shift within each piece, reflecting individual and shared experiences. The interplay of color and form, developed through these layers, captures the nuanced journey of navigating Black identity post-Jim Crow, encapsulating moments of struggle, resilience, and hope. Driven by innovation and originality, this work aspires to forge a visual language that evokes wonder and curiosity in every viewer.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS & RESIDENCIES
Current
Rice University, Houston, TX
Description: Highlights work created during the Artist-in-residence program hosted by the Houston Airport System, designed to foster inspiration and creativity in a dynamic, travel-centered environment, and create site-responsive work that engages a diverse public audience and reflects the unique intersection of art, culture, and movement.
June - July 2026
Houston Hosts the world
Studio Eight08, Houston, TX
Description: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought global attention to Houston, this exhibition celebrated the artists, storytellers, and communities that have long made our city a cultural crossroads, united by the same spirit of connection that makes soccer a global language.
April - May 2026
Roots & Routes: A Visual Exploration of Black Southern Legacy
Anderson Center for the Arts, Houston, TX
Description: Drawing from the traditions of New Orleans and the broader American South, Roots & Routes asks a simple but enduring question: What does where you’ve been say about where you’re going? Across painting, photography, craft, and storytelling, the featured artists explore how heritage travels through people, neighborhoods, and generations—reminding us that culture is not something we inherit fully formed, but something we shape, remix, protect, and pass forward.