Elijah McKenzie-Jackson, born in London, UK 2003, is a 20-year-old British visual artist renowned for his deep dedication to merging art with social advocacy, defining his distinct creative approach. Beginning at 15, his artistic journey launched with a significant leap forward with his first major publication in GQ Turkey's Magazine: Earth and Sustainability Edition, where his How Would You Feel? The series was featured in a double spread alongside an artist spotlight, earning him early recognition. Subsequently, Elijah's advocacy in climate and social justice rapidly gained recognition, highlighted by The New York Times naming him one of eight global leaders. His blend of art and activism has propelled him to significant endeavors, including collaborations in the Amazon Rainforest, speaking on global stages including to the EU Parliament, the House of Lords and the White House. McKenzie-Jackson's art is characterized by its ability to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire action, establishing him as a prominent voice in culture.

He draws on retro imagery, power dynamics, and 20th-century visual language, surpassing traditional boundaries. Elijah's notable sculpture There's No Place Like Home, referred to as "the world's most expensive megaphone" by the UK Reporter, debuted on Times Square billboards on New Year's Eve 2023 drawing inspiration from the iconic movie Wizard of Oz. Influenced by pop-art, protest-signs, and street-art, Elijah challenges conventional artistic norms and constantly seeks new explorations, often employing ink, acrylic, and spray paint. McKenzie-Jackson has been claimed a “visionary” in contemporary art by The Industry Times as well as “A Voice of the Generation and the Meteoric Rise of an Art Prodigy.” His contributions to the art world have been met with critical acclaim, garnering attention from prestigious publications like British Vogue, BBC, and Business Insider highlighting his status as a leading figure among the new generation.

Notability

Press about Elijah McKenzie-Jackson:

The New York Times: Climate Strikes Protests Gain Momentum
BBC Worklife: Gen Z - How Young People are Changing Activism
iNews Lifestyle: 23 Rising Stars of 2023 - Elijah McKenzie-Jackson
The Independent: Students on Hunger Strike over Coal Mine in Cumbria
Hylo Athletics: Elijah McKenzie-Jackson - Champions of Tomorrow
The Independent: Gen Z Activists Protest at COP26 in Glasgow
The Guardian: Grandparents and Grandchildren Explain the World to Each Other
Atmos: Climate Activists and Dating - Celebrating Valentine's Day
Atmos: Climate and Culture - Volume 3 magazine - single spread
BRICKS: Are we the last generation issue - Front Cover, double spread

Press about Artwork:

BBC: Gen Z: How young people are changing activism
OpenPR: Provocative Artwork Release by Activist - "Bloody Nostalgia"
Digital Journal: Elijah McKenzie-Jackson Takes a Stand Against the Second Amendment in New Art Piece
Outlook India: Elijah McKenzie-Jackson's Artwork and its Impact on the Planet
Thred: "321 Ping" - Elijah McKenzie-Jackson's Evocative Piece About US Gun Violence
Business Insider: One Planet Advisory Council Supporting Climate Coverage
News Channel Nebraska: Elijah McKenzie-Jackson Takes a Stand Against the Second Amendment in New Art Piece
GQ Turkey: Earth and Sustainability edition - Double spread art feature - “How would you feel?”

Op-eds & bylines by Elijah McKenzie-Jackson:

Vogue: COP27 has already let us down
The Guardian: UN COP27 in Egypt: Addressing LGBTQ+ Rights in the Climate Crisis
Yesil Gazete: The Future of the Planet is Not Yet Determined - Elijah McKenzie-Jackson
A Bigger Picture by Vannesa Nakate - Elijah McKenzie-Jackson
Business Insider: I'm a Gen Z climate activist and artist, and there are 5 reasons I think art can help stop the climate crisis
Teen Vogue: Young People Are Demanding an End to Oil and Gas Drilling, but the US and UK Aren’t Delivering
The Nature of Change (Book)

Quotes and interviews in press as an activist on Climate Mitigation:

Business Insider: Introducing One Planet - The Optimists' Destination for Climate Action
The Guardian: A Journey to the Centre of the Amazon in Radical Bid to Solve Climate Crisis
Eco Resolution: Elijah McKenzie-Jackson and Jerome Foster II
Axios: Climate Activists Protest with Soup Paintings
iNews: Young People Worried About Climate Change Crisis and Global Warming
Vogue Business: Fashion Falls Out of the Spotlight at COP27

PROJECTS
COMING SOON | Book
To Be Determined
WHOSE FUTURE? OUR FUTURE! | Documentary
This documentary follows 15-year-old Elijah as he fights for the planet, discovers his generation's strength, and balances his roles as a son, brother, student, and teenager. Featuring behind-the-scenes insights, it's Elijah's inaugural feature. By Leslie Maria Lampe.
Channel 4 Beyond Gen Z | Research study
Elijah participated in an in-depth study conducted by Channel 4 to understand Gen Z's perceptions of social media.
A World Upside Down | Podcast
Elijah McKenzie-Jackson and Jerome Foster II collaborate on 'A World Upside Down', an 8-episode limited podcast. They discuss their experiences in activism and art, sharing insights alongside guest stories that influence global impact.
Insider One Planet Advisory Council
Insider's advisory council for special climate coverage includes leaders from Ford, BlocPower, BNP Paribas, Chisholm Legacy Project, SEIA, and artist Elijah McKenzie-Jackson, as part of the One Planet initiative.
The Nature of Change | Book
The book features stories from 15 young social and environmental advocates from around the world, sharing their experiences on the front lines of protest. These advocates provide a powerful look into the challenges and triumphs they face in their fight for a better future.
Gen Z Google Advisor
Elijah McKenzie-Jackson brings critical insights and advocacy to shape justice-oriented initiatives, empowering the voices and perspectives of the next generation.
Conscientious Protectors: A Story of Rebellion Against Extinction | Documentary
Leigh Bloomfield’s doc on Extinction Rebellion’s 2019 blockade of central London is full of useful details about effective activism featuring EMJ.
Pangaia FAMILY - Welcome to Ours
Elijah joined the brand PANGAIA in 2020, where he embraces their belief that family is what you make it—comprising those who make you feel happy, loved, safe, and like you belong.