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Elijah McKenzie-Jackson's inaugural sculpture, "There's No Place Like Home...," made its digital debut on the Time Square Billboards during the New Year's Eve of 2023 in collaboration with Artist Talk Magazine, following its launch at COP28 in Dubai at the Entertainment and Culture Pavilion.
Drawing inspiration from 'The Wizard of Oz's' Ruby Slippers, this piece champions the fundamental right to a home, using nostalgia as a medium for contemporary storytelling. This sculpture merges this iconic representation of power, courage, and resilience in conjunction with the megaphone's symbolism of social rebellion; echoing the relentless force of collective voices, amplifying action, unity, and healing through repetitive chants of needs and hopes.
Alongside “There's No Place Like Home”’s physical form, this installation features a digital activation that captures voice messages from children, activists, marginalized communities, and allies. These messages are submitted via a scannable QR code when the exhibit is on display, contributing to the chorus of rebellion and the symphony of solidarity. Notably the voices of Egyptian activist Ahmed Allah and American activist Jerome Foster II are included. This sculpture is the leading piece to Mckenzie-Jackson’s anticipated 2024 collection.
“Today's system is broken, with the highest level of disparity between the people on the ground and the people behind the curtain, directing extraction and upholding authoritarian power. This sculpture is a symbol to us, everywhere, that your voices will be heard… and a warning to global leaders that we will change the course of history, with you by our side or not. This installation delves into the core right we all deserve: a safe home shielded from climate disasters, extreme weather, and war. “There is no place like home…” - Elijah McKenzie-Jackson