Björk created a sound installation at the Center Pompidou in Paris together with artistic director and photographer Aleph Molinari. Entitled “Nature Manifesto”, it was created on the occasion of the forum “Biodiversity: which culture for which future?”. The work, lasting 3 minutes and 40 seconds, is proposed as a “post-optimistic manifesto on nature” and is open to the public until 9 December 2024.
“Nature Manifesto” uses soundscapes and artificial intelligence to amplify the voices of extinct or endangered animal species, spreading an urgent message about the climate crisis that threatens our planet. The installation transforms the iconic Chenille escalators of the Center Pompidou into an immersive sound experience, in which visitors move surrounded by heartbreaking animal cries, intertwined with complex textual soundscapes. Björk's manifesto resonates: “It's an emergency. The apocalypse has already happened and how we act now is essential.” A powerful statement, which invites us to reflect on the loss of biodiversity and the collapse of ecosystems.
“We wanted to remind citizens of the raw vitality of endangered creatures,” the Icelandic artist explained in a post, underlining the value of the unique connections between animals and their ecosystems. In a joint statement released on social media, Björk and Molinari described the work as an attempt to give voice to threatened animals, fusing their calls with human words. “We wanted to bring their presence back to a symbolic architecture of the industrial era, far from nature. Among the veins of the museum's escalator, nicknamed 'caterpillar', we wanted to remind the public of the raw and fragile vitality of these species on the brink of extinction. We didn't just want to talk, but to act.”
The initiative is accompanied by an ecological campaign developed with young French and Icelandic activists, whose launch is expected in the coming months.
Björk therefore continues to conceive her art also as a vehicle for environmentalist messages. In addition to the contents of her latest album “Fossora”, the Icelandic singer recently released a song, entitled “Oral”, together with the pop star Rosalía whose proceeds were donated to the legal fight against a new fish farm in the Seyðisfjörður fjord, in Iceland.
Björk, who has repeatedly taken part in demonstrations in Reykjavik against fish farms, wrote “Oral” between “Homogenic” (1997) and “Vespertine” (2001), considering it too pop for the records of the time. more experimental. So, he decided to recover the demo of the song, finding it perfect for his cause, and hiring the new Spanish Latin pop star for the occasion. “I am offering a song that Rosalía and I sang together – writes Björk introducing the piece – The proceeds will help the fight against fish farms in Iceland. The proceeds from the sale of the song will contribute to their legal costs. We hope they can be an example for others”.
“Oral” is the first song released by Björk since the release of her latest album “Fossora”, released in 2022 as well as Rosalía's successful third studio album, “Motomami”, which launched her into the firmament of international pop.
Björk recently held some concerts in Italy in support of the Cornucopia show, which opened in New York. The review of the live show in Bologna is on our webzine.
Antonio Santini for SANREMO.FM
