Björk has officially opened a major new exhibition in her native Iceland, offering a rare and intimate look into her creative process through three large-scale audiovisual installations. The exhibition, which debuted at The National Gallery of Iceland in Reykjavík on May 30, serves as a profound exploration of memory, grief, and technological innovation.
At the heart of the showcase are two reimagined audio works, 'Ancestress' and 'Sorrowful Soil'. Originally featured on her 2022 album Fossora, these tracks have been transformed into immersive, theatrical experiences designed specifically for a museum environment. 'Ancestress' utilizes cinematic visuals of remote Icelandic landscapes to tackle themes of renewal, while 'Sorrowful Soil' presents an ambitious nine-part installation featuring 30 individual speaker channels that transmit the voices of the Hamrahlíð Choir, created in partnership with audio specialists Genelec.
The exhibition also provides a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Björk's discography. A third installation features brand-new music from an upcoming album, expected to arrive in 2027. This piece is designed to offer fans an early look at her next creative chapter, blending film and immersive technology to bridge the gap between her past work and future sonic landscapes.
In a statement regarding the exhibition's visual direction, Björk noted her role as a creative director, working alongside painter Natalia Kleszczewska and graphic designer Natalie Liu. “My role in it was a creative director, bringing in the singer-songwriter tradition, where emotionally precise things happen inside the structure of a song,” she explained. “I guided colour palettes, textures and the environments the music happens in.”
The project, which took seven months to complete, also features a companion exhibition titled 'Metamorphlings' in Gallery 4, curated by longtime collaborator James Merry. Furthermore, the exhibition includes a fashion collaboration with Bottega Veneta, highlighting the intersection of high fashion and experimental performance.
Tickets for the exhibition are available now, with the installation scheduled to remain open until September 20. The project is supported by technical collaborations with Apple and AIAIAI, ensuring a high-fidelity experience for all visitors.
This exhibition follows the announcement of a unique solar eclipse rave, set to take place on August 12 in Víðistaðatún, Hafnarfjörður. The event will feature a DJ set from Björk, alongside performances from electronic artist Arca and local talents Sideproject and Ronja Jóhannsdóttir.