Renowned artist Björk has introduced “Nature Manifesto,” a groundbreaking AI-powered sound installation at Paris’s Centre Pompidou, merging technology with environmental advocacy through an immersive auditory experience.
Innovative Sound Installation
The three-minute and forty-second installation, running in the Centre Pompidou’s distinctive “Chenille” (Caterpillar) escalators, represents a unique collaboration between Björk, editor-photographer Aleph Molinari, and the prestigious IRCAM institute. This innovative project brings together artificial intelligence and environmental awareness in a compelling artistic statement.
Blending Technology and Nature
“Nature Manifesto” creates a haunting soundscape that combines AI-generated vocalizations of extinct and endangered species with Björk’s narration. The installation features an array of synthesized animal sounds—from high-pitched wails to deep coos, sudden pops to gentle chirps—all carefully orchestrated to create an emotionally resonant experience.
The deliberate placement of these natural sounds within the Centre Pompidou’s industrial setting creates a striking contrast, challenging visitors to contemplate the relationship between urban development and environmental preservation.
Environmental Message
As part of the forum “Biodiversity: Which Culture for Which Future?” the installation serves as a powerful commentary on environmental challenges. The timing coincides with the latest U.N. Climate Change Conference, underlining the urgency of its message about biodiversity loss and climate change.
Building on Past Innovation
This latest work builds upon Björk’s previous ventures into AI-powered installations, including her collaboration with Microsoft on “Kórsafn” at New York’s Sister City property. That earlier project generated ambient choral music based on weather patterns and bird movements, establishing Björk’s ongoing exploration of the intersection between artificial intelligence and natural elements.
The choice to house this new installation within the Centre Pompidou’s escalators is particularly significant, as it places the voices of vanishing species directly in the path of urban visitors, creating an unavoidable encounter between human progress and natural preservation.
Through “Nature Manifesto,” Björk continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression while advocating for environmental awareness, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to create meaningful connections between urban audiences and the natural world they risk losing.