An extraterrestrial art gathering and an experimental strange-tundra opera, visual art show, interpretive dance performance with 15+ local artists as participants.

Project Collaborators: Maxine Flasher-Duzgunes, Rosie Dater-Merton, Yuqi Sun, Em Hansen, Jubilee, Kelsie Jones, Zabby Starchaser, John Potter, The Continental Club Oakland


CATACOMBS IV: An Extraterrestrial Art Gathering

An extraterrestrial art gathering & strange-tundra opera.

Ice Music SoundBath
Thursday, Feb 15, 2024
6:00pm – 8:00pm PT

Hosted by: Dialect Halls of XXHE
Key Collaborator: Decentered Arts

Had you heard of strange-tundra?

Strange-tundra was a genre, mode, and methodology of writing music that sampled the sounds of ice, wind, choir, and vocals to create an atmospheric, experimental, meditational sound.

In simpler words, it was ice music.

At this SoundBath, we played only strange-tundra. Written by Ice-Composer Xxhe, guests emerged in our Ice Cave under the soothe-sounds of gently cracking ice, soft winds, distant choir, and ethereal vocals.

A professional vocalist as well, Xxhe’s voice vibrated the air above as attendees drifted with eyes closed into conscious stillness.

At HOX, our soundbaths were the most unique in the Bay.

Much like a sensory deprivation tank, the ground shook beneath as participants floated through the thrawls of a wakeful sleep—recharging and resetting their bodies. It was perfectly fine to fall asleep.

For Maximum Comfort, guests brought:

Yoga Mats
Water Bottles
Warm Blankets and Pillows
Comfortable Clothing (Removable Layers)
Warm Socks

Available at the venue:
Blackout Eye Masks
Warm Herbal Tea
Altar for Offerings and Intention Writing

AGENDA
6:00–7:30PM: Doors Open, Ice Music SoundBath
7:30–8:00PM: Reflections, Connection
8:00PM: Event Close

We looked forward to seeing everyone and were grateful for the shared space.


Ice Music SoundBath

Ethereal beings bundled in velvet and wool surrendered to glacial soundscapes—drifting through icy dreams under Xxhe’s strange-tundra spell.

Catacombs III: Experimental Tundric Ice Opera
Saturday, Jan 20
7:00pm – 11:00pm PT

It was very likely the most bizarre experience attendees had all year.

Guests stepped into an alien temple surrounded by chunks of ice, a reflective tin foil guitarist, ice dance music DJs, extraterrestrial art, and a short, experimental, interpretive modern dance opera.

The entire venue was transformed into an immersive ice cave installation.

Attendees arrived dressed as plausibly theoretical aliens to experience space templic paintings, chunk ice sculptures, and otherworldly soundscape music.

Made by artists for artists, Catacombs was a cold dip into the tundric, extraterrestrial world of Nenom—a frozen, iceic planet and the setting for Anethemas, a strange-tundra opera and large-scale otherworldly art piece created by Xxhe. At Catacombs, guests were showered in the sounds of Anethemas, surrounded by ethereal dance, auroric light creatures, frozen sculptures, and trancing wind art. Garb was a key part of the experience—and guests found out why.

Decentered Arts was a Key Collaborator of this event.


Catacombs III: Experimental Tundric Ice Opera

Frozen divas, alien dreamers, and tundric sound wizards gathered in an ice cave—Catacombs was Nenom's glittering extraterrestrial opera rave.

Brian George Arnold

A diverse group of individuals wearing white and purple attire, standing together in a social setting.

Catacombs III: Experimental Tundric Ice Opera 2

Two individuals in white robes stand against a solid black background, creating a striking visual contrast.

Catacombs III: Experimental Tundric Ice Opera 1

A woman in a sleek black dress is engaged in playing a keyboard, creating music in an energetic atmosphere.

A group of individuals wearing white dresses performing on stage, showcasing a coordinated presentation.

Catacombs III: Experimental Tundric Ice Opera 3

A diverse group of individuals stands in a room with blue lighting, enhancing the mood and ambiance of the space.

A cluster of people sprawled on the floor in a low-light room, conveying a sense of relaxation and togetherness.

Brian George Arnold

Photographer at:

DECENTERED
ARTS