Björk and French artist Aleph are set to debut an AI sound installation at Centre Pompidou. As a part in “Biodiversity: What Culture for What Future?”, a four-day forum at the Parisian institution, Nature Manifesto brings attention to the planet’s mounting climate challenges by giving a voice to the endangered and extinct species of the world.
Housed in the museum’s ‘Chenille’ escalators, the installation aims to create a sonic bridge between industrial life and of lush ecosystems. Over the course of three minutes and 40 seconds, viewers will be immersed in the piece as they move between floors. Atop the cries of endangered animals and textural soundscapes, Björk presents her manifesto: “it is an emergency, the apocalypse has already happened, and how we will act now is essential.”
The interplay between nature and technology has long been a source of creative inspiration for the Icelandic icon, fueling her fervent commitment to environmental advocacy. A call for interconnection underpins the installation’s sea of cries as a faith in nature’s adaptability shines through. “We wanted to remind citizens of the raw vitality of endangered creatures,” she explains in a recent post. “In the spirit of these animals, in the magic of how they are sensually aligned with their environment, they become our teachers! Their ghosts remind us of improving our primordial mindfulness.”
This latest work builds on Björk’s longstanding commitment to ecological activism. Last year, she collaborated with Rosalía on the charity single “Oral,” which aimed to halt Icelandic fish farm operations, while, more recently, she announced the release of her upcoming, climate-focused concert film Cornucopia.
Nature Manifesto will be open to the public from November 20 to December 9, 2024.
Centre Pompidou
Place Georges-Pompidou,
75004 Paris, France
