Björk's Solar Eclipse Rave in Iceland: Robert Wun Balloon Look and Echolalia Festival
On August 12, Björk took center stage at Echolalia, a festival in Hafnarfjörður's Víðistaðatún sculpture park, marking Iceland's first total solar eclipse since 1954 and celebrating 40 years of Smekkleysa. She donned a unique Robert Wun balloon couture ensemble crafted from nearly 700 white balloons. Despite a balloon popping prior to her performance, she proceeded with collaborator Arca, showcasing a blend of global club music and reggaeton. The lineup also featured Ronja Jóhannsdóttir and Sideproject. This festival coincided with the Björk exhibition at the National Gallery of Iceland, which runs until September, alongside a related display by James T. Merry until October 18. Noteworthy guests included Seán McGirr, Jack McCollough, Marco Panconesi, and Ronan Farrow.
Key facts
- Echolalia festival held on August 12 at Víðistaðatún sculpture park in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
- First total solar eclipse visible from Iceland since 1954
- Björk performed in Robert Wun's balloon couture from fall 2026 collection
- Look used nearly 700 white balloons sourced from Italy
- Balloons built by Laila Holmes (London Balloon Company) and Fiona Eagle (The Balloon Stylist)
- Björk and Arca performed DJ sets
- Celebrated 40 years of Smekkleysa (Bad Taste) record label
- Björk exhibition at National Gallery of Iceland curated by Pari Stave runs until September
- James T. Merry's Metamorphlings exhibition on view until October 18
- Attendees included Seán McGirr, Jack McCollough, Marco Panconesi, Ronan Farrow
Entities
Artists
- Björk
- Arca
- Robert Wun
- Ronja Jóhannsdóttir
- Sideproject
- James T. Merry
- Edda Gudmundsdottir
- Pari Stave
- Seán McGirr
- Jack McCollough
- Marco Panconesi
- Ronan Farrow
Institutions
- National Gallery of Iceland
- Smekkleysa (Bad Taste)
- London Balloon Company
- The Balloon Stylist
- Alexander McQueen
- Loewe
- Vogue
Locations
- Iceland
- Hafnarfjörður
- Reykjavík
- Víðistaðatún
- Paris
- Hong Kong
- London
- Italy