CACTUS

CACTUS – A grassroots-style party and art-infused movement rooted in smooth grooves, unexpected twists, and everything in between: house, jazz, disco, and bold eclectic sounds. The name comes with a history. Back in 70s era Chile, Paulita’s parents defied the curfew times put on by the military dictatorship by escaping to a local club called CACTUS—dancing as resistance. This project is a tribute to that spirit, and to their deep influence on Paulita’s musical journey. So….who is the Cactus? After a vibrant After Art Party 2025 ran by Shahrokh Dini in Karlsruhe, we had the chance to visit Ato Gallery, where art and music collided in all the best ways. That’s where we encountered the work of Claudia Holzinger—an artist whose vision cut through the noise. Claudia is a Vienna- and Buchbach-based visual artist and photographer whose work has been exhibited worldwide—from Contemporary Fine Arts Berlin to Pinakothek der Moderne Munich and most recently at strobe, Tribeca NYC. She’s received numerous accolades including the US Travel Stipend of the State of Bavaria and the German Photobook Award. Her work explores body politics using humor, pathos, and costume to tell tragic-comic, deeply reflective stories. As she puts it: "My body is my projection surface and my projector in equal measure.” Her CACTUSGARDEN series stages Claudia as various cactus species—juxtaposing the wild and celebrated beauty of nature’s forms against the rigid, often unrealistic expectations placed on femxle bodies. The goal of CACTUS? To bridge the space between art and music—two forces that speak the same language of expression, identity, and freedom. We are thrilled to be bringing this vision to life with Paulita, Marian Tone and Shahrokh Dini—three friends, collaborators, and dancefloor companions who share this love for soulful sound and meaningful connection. Join us for the first CACTUS event at Beate Uwe May 23rd with our soulful DJs on deck, Chewchew & Viktor Roshu, along with CACTUS residents Paulita, Marian Tone and Shahrokh Dini. You know the drill…come early, leave late. Tickets will be available at the door!