Björk's new sound installation will "recreate" extinct animal calls

Björk has announced a new immersive sound installation, which will see the Icelandic artist "recreate" the calls of extinct animals.

Set to feature at Paris' Centre Pompidou from November 20 to December 9, 'Natural Manifesto' will consist of a 3-minute 40-second piece that uses AI software to recreate the sound of extinct animals and merge them with spoken word vocals.

Created in collaboration with French artist Aleph, the piece has been supported by sound research institute IRCAM, and curated by Chloé Siganos and Delphine Le Gatt — as well as environmentalists from both France and Iceland.

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“This immersive sound piece gives endangered and extinct animals a voice by merging their sounds with our words," the Icelandic musician said via a post on Instagram. "We wanted to share their presence in architecture representing the industrial age, far away from nature. In the veins of the escalator of the museum, known as the 'caterpillar', we wanted to remind citizens of the raw vitality of endangered creatures.”

“Even though you are restlessly travelling between floors whilst listening to this sound piece, the tone of animals’ voices hopefully builds a sonic bridge towards the listeners," she continues.

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‘Natural Manifesto’ will be presented as part of the Biodiversity: Which culture for which future? forum, set to take place from November 20 - 24.

This event will see the Centre Pompidou join forces with the French Office for Biodiversity to address the threats facing life on Earth by "Raising awareness of an impending crisis, renewing our collective imagination, and reorienting how we see and act", according to its website.

Björk has previously tackled issues surrounding the climate crisis. For example, during her five-year 'Cornucopia' tour, when the artist presented a self-directed feature focussed on the topic.

She has also released a 480-page book documenting the colossal tour on November 15.

Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram