She almost invented weird, developing with the decades and always evolving with surprises.
So how do you top that? Easily, if you're a part of the Blackbird Ensemble.
Their star-struck tribute show spread the load across a stellar line-up of New Zealand talent under the musical direction of festival regular Claire Cowan and featured another welcome festival returnee, the simply outstanding Anna Coddington, sharing guest vocals with Mara TK and Priya Sami, good on their own but inspired together.
Dipping deep into Bjork's extensive back catalogue, they captured her multi-faceted essence, from her halting, hallucinatory delivery to the wonder-struck beauty in some of her songs, polished by flattering new arrangements.
Channelling the eclectic Bjork naturally featured other-worldly lighting and costuming, wild on-stage abandon, and a sense of fun that permeated the audience.
Despite all the glitter and the glam, it was really all about Bjork's music.
It's stunning when it connects, and still powerful even if it doesn't. Cowan's treatments do more than make it more accessible.
Alternative, theatrical, impressive, emotional, memorable - Blackbird Ensemble like to do things differently, and deliver in spades. The Icelandic queen would be proud.
The festival's Aspiring Conversations began with a spirited discussion between Ngai Tahu kaumatua Sir Tipene O'Regan and senior water scientist Mike Joy about the future of water in New Zealand, illuminated by artist, curator and poet Greg O'Brien.
Dams, dairying and pollution came under the pump, and well-supported yet opposing views were aired with passion, humour and respect.
Politicians as yet untouched by the Jacinda effect could benefit by adopting similar courage, conviction and manners.
-By Nigel Zega
