ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Björk's 3D-Printed 'Rottlace' Mask Reveals Inner Anatomy

artist · 2026-05-05

Björk has unveiled a new 3D-printed mask called Rottlace, created in collaboration with Israeli-American designer Neri Oxman, director of the Mediated Matter Group at MIT Media Lab. The mask, inspired by the internal structure of Björk's head, was developed using 3D scanning technology and industrial additive manufacturing by a specialized company. The name 'Rottlace' is a variation of an Icelandic word meaning 'without skin,' playing on the concept of interior and exterior by exposing muscles, bones, and tendons. It is the first in a series of masks tied to Björk's album 'Vulnicura,' which focuses on self-healing. The mask follows a line of eccentric headpieces worn by Björk, including a luminous creation by Japanese designer Maiko Takeda in 2014. The Rottlace mask will be used in Björk's upcoming live performances.

Key facts

  • Björk collaborated with Neri Oxman on the Rottlace mask.
  • The mask is 3D-printed using industrial additive manufacturing.
  • It is inspired by the internal structure of Björk's head via 3D scanning.
  • Rottlace means 'without skin' in Icelandic.
  • The mask is part of a series related to Björk's album 'Vulnicura'.
  • It will be used in Björk's future live performances.
  • Neri Oxman directs the Mediated Matter Group at MIT Media Lab.
  • Previous Björk headpiece by Maiko Takeda in 2014.

Entities

Artists

  • Björk
  • Neri Oxman
  • Maiko Takeda

Institutions

  • MIT Media Lab
  • Mediated Matter Group

Locations

  • Iceland
  • United States
  • Japan

Sources