Mouth Mantra
moon
Hidden
Place
Violently
Happy
mutual
core
hollow
lionsong
notget
crystalline
Unison
notget
cocoon
black
lake
mouth
mantra
lionsong
Human
Behavior
Who is it?
Oh So
Quiet
Pagan
Poetry
venus
as a boy
Hunter
big time sensuality
Black
lake
Earth
Intruders
Jóga
wanderlust
Click here to turn on song titles
Scroll down to see what makes a Björk video a Björk video.
Björk is the most interesting thing to happen to the music video since Michael Jackson went full werewolf. Since her solo debut, 1994's “Big Time Sensuality", Björk’s video creations have been dazzlingly bizarre. So what better way to celebrate her new album, Utopia, than with a long scroll through the themes and effects that have defined her videos?
Words by Dan Milano
Design by Martin Flores
breaking down
Almost two dozen videos from Björk's library are set against black, non-spatial voids, allowing for her sparkling, glowing visions to be presented without distraction. Intricate puppetry, microscopic biology and laser-like points of light have all been showcased in stark contrasts on these flat black backgrounds.
I.
The Void
As Björk's videos evolved they increasingly featured the use of string-like tentacles, often portrayed through CGI. Threads creep out to bind and encase her, silk flows around and out from her costumes. When the videos feature nature or plant life, as they often do, flora regularly undulates in calm, twining motions.
II.
tendrils
Björk's signature movement can be summed up in one word: Frenetic. If given the proper quick tempo, you can count on her pushing her range of motion to the limit by whipping, thrashing and swinging her body, usually out of sheer delight. In Bjork’s music videos we often go inside the human body and regularly explore manipulations of the skin and face.
III.
Frenetic Energy
If anyone knows how to emote for the camera, it's Björk. The extreme closeup is a staple for many musicians but she brings an arresting, wholly mesmerizing stare to the fold with every punch-in.
IV.
CLOSE ups
Fields of volcanic rock, barren mountains, lush forests and cold, wide rivers permeate the world of Björk. Iceland shaped her and she brings the landscapes of her homeland to her listeners through at least a dozen music videos.
V.
Iceland
