Björk on Nature and Technology Prelude Björk is a singer, songwriter, producer, actress, technological innovator, icon, and DJ. She first appeared publicly on Icelandic Radio One at age 9 in 1976 and released her debut album, Björk, at age 11. To date, she has released eight solo albums, most recently Vulnicura in 2015. --- Conversation Highlights Nature and Technology Björk views nature and technology as intertwined symbols of hope and the future. Growing up in Iceland, surrounded by open natural spaces, gave her a unique perspective on the coexistence of both. Her fascination with technology began with childhood experiences, such as being amazed by dentist office equipment. She believes technology and nature must coexist for humanity's survival. Throughout her career, each album explores new territory but always circles back to this ideal union. Relationship with Technology Björk admits she's not especially skilled with technology but is drawn to new tools that enable natural human expression. For example, the touchscreen was revolutionary for her project Biophilia, which transformed musical education into an interactive, visceral experience. She rented a beach house during Biophilia’s creation to program concepts like rhythm and melody, leveraging technology as a 3D educational book. Interest in Virtual Reality (VR) Collaborating with Andrew Huang on immersive music videos introduced her to VR. The Black Lake video was initially planned for 360-degree VR presentation at MoMA but was adapted to two screens due to logistics. VR work is experimental, with different technological approaches evolving through multiple videos and collaborations. Björk embraces the unknown in VR creation, allowing for mistakes and spontaneity—a reflection of her artistic process. She acknowledges VR has the potential to offer immersive, intimate music experiences distinct from traditional concerts or museum shows. VR and Reality Björk sees VR as both an escape and an extension of reality, comparing it to how people read books on trains. She discusses challenges like VR creating disorienting effects but also highlights the need for ethical use. Her approach to VR is collaborative, continually evolving with new commissioners and venues. Björk Digital and Exhibitions Björk was flattered but hesitant to do a MoMA show; the experience educated her about her artistic universe. She finds VR better suited than traditional museum spaces for her interactive work. Biophilia has grown in educational reach, used in schools across Iceland, Scandinavia, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Exhibits like Björk Digital combine interactive apps with VR videos, encouraging visitors to participate and experience music immersively. Different show locations offer unique presentations adapting to the space and audience. DJing and Current Work Björk has been DJing with friends after exhibitions, sharing her passion for music beyond her own catalog. She appreciates the joyful energy of playing long sets with favorite tracks, finding it a break from herself. London holds a special place for her musically, having performed there with only voice and strings to showcase arrangements from her string album. Since stopping touring a year prior, Björk has focused on writing new music and enjoys balancing this with immersive multimedia projects. --- Björk Recommends Music: Mirrors by Mala — electronic music with Andean influence NAO (East London RnB) Jürg Frey (slow string compositions) Serpentwithfeet (Harlem singer-songwriter) Elysia Crampton (Musician) Katie Gately (LA musician) Films: A Field in England directed by Ben Wheatley Embrace of the Serpent directed by Ciro Guerra Art & Culture: Claire Hentschker (American visual artist) Ragnar Kjartansson exhibition at the Barbican Crispin Best (London