Björk
- Artist: Jill Furmanovsky
- Date: 1995
- Medium: archival inkjet print
- Dimensions: 13 1/8 in. x 11 in. (334 mm x 279 mm)
- Portrays: Björk Gudmundsdóttir
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is a portrait of Björk Gudmundsdóttir, taken in May 1995 by photographer Jill Furmanovsky. You see the singer in her own London studio doorway, shoulders back and gaze fixed forward – she looks calm yet intense, a snapshot of a young artist on the cusp of fame.
The print is an archival inkjet. The photo shows soft, muted tones that let her green eyes pop against the plain white backdrop. Notice the slight blur around her jacket sleeve – it gives a sense of motion and life, as if she’s walking toward you.
Furmanovsky has photographed many musicians; this shot captures Björk early in her solo career, before “Debut” launched in 1993. The portrait reminds us that she began as the lead singer of The Sugarcubes, moved to London in 1992, and would later become a champion of nature‑technology dialogue.
Feel free to note how the lighting frames her face and the subtle contrast between the studio doorway and the soft background, creating a balanced composition that balances portrait tradition with modern texture.
See it in person
Björk is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
