Björk has unveiled a major new exhibition in Iceland featuring immersive audiovisual installations, reimagined songs from her album Fossora and a preview of previously unheard music from her next studio album.
The exhibition opened at the National Gallery of Iceland on 30 May and brings together three large-scale installations that explore grief, memory, technology and artistic transformation. The project also gives fans their first glimpse of music from Björk’s forthcoming album, which is currently expected to arrive in 2027.
Björk exhibition transforms Fossora songs into immersive installations
At the centre of the exhibition are new interpretations of Ancestress and Sorrowful Soil, two songs from Björk’s 2022 album Fossora that were written in memory of her late mother.
Ancestress has been transformed into a large-scale audiovisual experience combining cinematic imagery of a remote Icelandic valley with music exploring themes of grief, remembrance and renewal.
Meanwhile, Sorrowful Soil has been rebuilt as a nine-part immersive installation featuring 30 separate speaker channels carrying vocals performed by the Hamrahlíð Choir. Developed in partnership with audio company Genelec, the piece is designed to blur the boundaries between architecture, space and the human voice.
New Björk album teased through unreleased music installation
One of the biggest attractions for fans is a completely new film and sound installation built around music from Björk’s next album.
While the singer has not revealed the album title or release date, the exhibition offers visitors an early opportunity to experience material from the project.
According to exhibition organisers, the work provides:
“An early glimpse into her next creative chapter through sound, film and immersive technology.”
The inclusion of unreleased music is likely to fuel anticipation around what will be Björk’s first studio album since Fossora.
Björk explains creative vision behind Iceland exhibition
Björk said the exhibition was developed alongside painter Natalia Kleszczewska and graphic designer Natalie Liu, with the project taking seven months to complete.
Reflecting on her role in the creative process, she said:
“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 added:
“I guided colour palettes, textures and the environments the music happens in.”
Discussing the collaboration, Björk explained:
“To make this possible, during the process, Natalia often had to paint many shapes and sizes, different textures and layers of colours.”
She continued:
“Natalie then developed the visuals, designing and overseeing CGI elements, and finding ways for the digital to sit organically alongside Natalia’s world and include my dramaturgy and creative direction.”
Technology and traditional art collide in Björk’s latest project
A recurring theme throughout the exhibition is the relationship between technology and traditional artistic methods.
Björk said she wanted to create a project that blended craftsmanship and innovation.
“To paint a painting is an analogue craft, but computer programming is craftsmanship too… and both can co-exist.”
She added:
“[They are] encouraging each other to bloom even further towards a mutual world.”
The exhibition is supported by several major creative and technology partners, including Apple as its virtual reality partner and headphone manufacturer AIAIAI.
Companion exhibition and Björk fashion collaboration
Alongside the main installation, visitors can also explore Metamorphlings, a companion exhibition created by Björk’s longtime visual collaborator James Merry.
Located in Gallery 4 of the National Gallery of Iceland, the exhibition focuses on sculpture, transformation and handcrafted organic forms.
The project also features a specially created look by Bottega Veneta, continuing the artist’s long-standing interest in combining music, fashion, visual art and performance.
Björk announces solar eclipse rave in Iceland
The exhibition follows Björk’s recent announcement of Echolalia, a special solar eclipse rave taking place in Iceland on August 12.
The event will feature a DJ set from Björk alongside performances from Arca, Sideproject and Ronja Jóhannsdóttir.
Held in Víðistaðatún, Hafnarfjörður, the event will coincide with a rare solar eclipse, culminating in more than a minute of complete darkness as the moon fully obscures the sun.
How to visit the Björk exhibition in Iceland
The Björk exhibition is now open at the National Gallery of Iceland in Reykjavík and will run until September 20.
Tickets are currently on sale, with visitors able to experience all three installations, the companion Metamorphlings exhibition and Björk’s latest multidisciplinary work under one roof.
For fans of Björk, the exhibition offers not only a reimagining of Fossora, but also one of the first opportunities to hear music connected to her next album before its official release.
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