Nature Manifesto

From November 20th to December 9th, 2024, the Centre Pompidou in Paris hosts Nature Manifesto, an immersive sound installation by Icelandic artist Björk in collaboration with French artist Aleph. Presented as part of the forum Biodiversity: What Culture for What Future?, the piece combines AI technology with ecological art to address the urgent challenges of biodiversity loss.

Located in the museum’s iconic external escalators, Nature Manifesto immerses visitors in a three-minute-and-40-second soundscape blending Björk’s spoken manifesto with the cries of endangered and extinct species. Created with IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique), the work transforms industrial spaces into a portal of connection between humans and the natural world.

Björk describes the installation as a call for “post-optimism,” where humans and nature can adapt and evolve together. Her manifesto declares, “The apocalypse has already happened. How we act now is essential.” Accompanied by Aleph’s contributions and 3D visuals by Sam Balfua, the piece invites viewers to reflect on resilience and interconnection amid ecological collapse.

The installation’s core message builds on Björk’s history of integrating nature and technology in her art. Recent projects include her Cornucopia concert film and the charity single Oral, created to support Icelandic environmental causes.

Nature Manifesto reaffirms Björk’s belief in humanity’s potential to embrace a sustainable future, urging audiences to learn from the vitality of endangered creatures and their harmony with their environments. Admission to the installation is free, offering a thought-provoking experience for all visitors.