Icelandic icon Björk and French artist Aleph have joined forces on an innovative sound installation that brings extinct animal calls back to life. The new immersive sound experience, titled ‘Natural Manifesto’, is scheduled to be showcased at the Pompidou Centre in Paris from 20 November to 9 December, as part of the “Biodiversity: Which culture for which future?” forum. This installation will feature a 3-minute 40-second composition that employs AI technology to recreate the sounds of extinct animals, blending them with spoken word vocals.
The project has received backing from the sound research institute IRCAM and has been curated by Chloé Siganos and Delphine Le Gatt, along with environmentalists from both France and Iceland. In a joint statement, Björk and Aleph expressed their vision: “We aimed to convey [the animals’] presence within an architectural setting that symbolizes the industrial age, far removed from nature. Within the escalator’s structure, known as the ‘caterpillar’, we sought to remind visitors of the raw vitality of endangered species. Even as you move between floors, the voices of these animals may create a sonic bridge, connecting you to their world.”
The statement further emphasized: “In the spirit of these animals, aligned sensually with their environment, they become our teachers!” IRCAM’s description of the work highlights that “it merges Björk’s voice, reciting her manifesto, with the cries of extinct and endangered animals, harmonized with natural soundscapes.” Björk has long been an advocate for environmental causes. In 2008, she collaborated with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke on the song 'Náttúra' to promote the conservation of Icelandic nature. Similarly, her recent duet with Rosalía, ‘Oral’, also addressed environmental issues.
Additionally, Björk recently announced a Cornucopia concert film focused on climate change, which will be screened during Climate Week. She is also set to release a 480-page book documenting her five-year ‘Cornucopia’ tour on 15 November.
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