Being a queer artist provides Björk with a wider spectrum to play with. Through her art, she can take up space, express herself, and be vocal about these issues.
She describes the queer community as a safe place for her for building her own identity as well as being heard and seen as herself.
“Creatively thinking, the queer perspective makes me better. Queerness is not a choice, but even if it were, I’d choose it. I’m aware of how privileged I am to think like this.”
Encounters is the theme of Helsinki Pride 2022. The concept is prominently featured in Björk’s window painting for Marimekko.
The work will be displayed on the window of Marimekko Aleksinkulma during weeks 25 and 26, and in addition to encounters, it will emphasize the wide spectrum of gender expression and sexual orientation.
During the planning process, Björk pondered the beauty and significance of encounters.
“Through them, we create a basis for ourselves. Encounters are like mirrors because through others, we can see ourselves,” she says.
Björk’s goal is to create a work of art that combines paint and reflective materials and imitates a flowing river. The outcome will look slightly different from different directions. This means every spectator can experience the work of art in their own unique way – just like their identity.
“We are all the same because we are all different,” she concludes.
Helsinki Pride Week 2022 is celebrated from 27 June to 3 July.