Bendix Artist Feature: Jonah Elijah

Jonah Elijah’s studio at the Bendix Building functions like a living archive—one where memory, culture, and imagination overlap to create scenes that feel both intimate and expansive. Elijah, who has been part of the Bendix community for five years, first discovered art in an unexpected way: by taking a painting class for non–art majors during his junior year of college. “I fell in love with the process,” he shared.  

Born in Houston, TX, Elijah’s work transcends time. His pieces pull from personal memories, broader mythologies, and cultural histories to explore the complexities and humanity of Black American life. 

But at the heart of Elijah’s practice is memory—an active, shifting, deeply human archive. “I find inspiration from my memory,” he explained during our visit. “I use it to convey images from my past, and sometimes my present. A lot of it is my community—driving around L.A., South Central, and also thinking back to how I was raised in Houston...I’m painting these scenes not the way they actually happened, but the way I remember them.” Rather than aiming to portray moments exactly as they happened, he paints them as he remembers them, embracing the subjectivity and emotional truth that memory holds.  

His current body of work, his Prayer Series, continues this exploration. One piece from the series, Our Father Who Art in Heaven, depicting a young child praying at his bedside, has become a standout within his practice. The work received significant recognition on Instagram—over 20,000 likes and more than 300,000 views—reflecting how deeply the imagery resonated with viewers. 

Jonah’s painting, Our Father Who Art In Heaven

What Elijah hopes viewers walk away with is simple, yet profound. “I want people to feel a sense of nostalgia,” he shared. “I want them to feel like they’re stepping into someone else’s shoes.” His scenes encourage viewers to step into someone else’s memories—into his childhood, culture, neighborhood, and daily life—offering moments that feel personal yet universally human. 

We’re honored to have Jonah Elijah as a longtime member of the Bendix Building community. To explore more of his work and stay connected with his evolving practice, we invite you to visit his website and his Instagram (@jonah.elijah)!