Björk’s latest projects, the immersive “Nature Manifesto” sound installation at Paris’s Centre Pompidou and the upcoming remastered “Vulnicura VR” experience, highlight her fusion of art, technology, and environmental activism.
Björk, the Icelandic artist renowned for her innovative fusion of music, art, and technology, has recently unveiled two groundbreaking projects that underscore her commitment to environmental activism and artistic innovation. Her immersive sound installation, “Nature Manifesto,” at Paris’s Centre Pompidou, and the forthcoming remastered virtual reality (VR) experience of her album “Vulnicura” exemplifies her dedication to pushing creative boundaries.
“Nature Manifesto,” a collaboration between Björk and artist Aleph, was showcased at the Centre Pompidou from November 20 to December 9, 2024. This immersive sound installation was strategically placed within the museum’s iconic exterior escalators, known as “La Chenille,” enveloping visitors in a unique auditory experience as they ascended through the structure.
The installation blended Björk’s voice, delivering a poignant manifesto, with the sounds of extinct and endangered animals, harmonized against natural soundscapes. This fusion was designed to evoke the pressing issues of biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, urging listeners to reconsider their relationship with nature. Björk emphasized the urgency of the environmental crisis, stating, “It is an emergency. The apocalypse has already happened. And how we will act now is essential,” she said. “In a pioneering sound strata of mutant peacocks, bees, and lemurs, biology will reassemble in new ways.”
The collaboration with the Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM), a leading French sound research institute, was instrumental in the creation of “Nature Manifesto.” Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence, the team recreated the calls of extinct species, providing a haunting reminder of the consequences of human activity on the natural world. Robin Meier Wiratunga, a sound artist from IRCAM who worked closely with Björk, described the experience: “As you go up the escalator, you go through all these different sonic worlds. We have orangutans, mosquitoes, beluga whales, and then when you reach the top floor, the climactic musical event, which we lovingly call the ‘Dolphin Disco.'”
In parallel with her environmental advocacy, Björk is set to reintroduce her 2019 VR album, “Vulnicura,” through a comprehensive remastering project in collaboration with PulseJet Studios, a San Francisco-based VR music studio. This initiative aims to enhance the original content, making it compatible with contemporary VR platforms such as Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.
John Gearty, founder and CEO of PulseJet Studios, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We think Björk has the formula right. She took the album concept and doubled down on the investment to make an incredible artistic experience for her fans.” The remastering process is divided into two phases: first, updating the technology to align with current VR standards; second, expanding the artistic vision that may have been constrained by the technological limitations present during the original production.
Björk’s pioneering efforts in integrating VR with music have been widely recognized. Her original “Vulnicura VR” album allowed users to explore Icelandic landscapes that inspired her music, offering an immersive experience that transcended traditional music consumption. The forthcoming remastered version is anticipated to provide an even more engaging journey into her creative universe, reflecting advancements in VR technology and Björk’s evolving artistic vision.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Björk’s commitment to environmental causes is well-documented. She has been a vocal advocate against intensive fish farming in Iceland, highlighting the industry’s detrimental impact on local ecosystems. Her collaboration with Rosalía on the song “Oral” directed all proceeds toward combating this environmental issue, demonstrating her dedication to leveraging her art for activism.
Björk’s influence extends into the scientific community as well. A recently discovered butterfly species, Pterourus bjorkae, was named in her honor, acknowledging her contributions to art and environmental awareness. This recognition underscores the intersection of her creative work with broader ecological and cultural conversations.
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