A new performance by Maral and her visual collaborator Annapurna Kumar, Rearranging Rock explores sounds and images related to geologic time and the contents of the earth’s core. Inspired by the molten metals beneath us and the radioactive rays above, the artists seek to translate material facts into sonic riffs and visual gestures. By considering still unanswered questions surrounding the basic building blocks of our world, Maral and Annapurna tap into deep time, radical ecology, sludgecore, and a playful, ongoing dedication to experimentation. The performance features new work inspired by recent pilgrimages throughout the windy mountains and dusty deserts of Southern California, a workshop on welding, and lifelong obsessions with the folk art & music of Persia and India.

“life is rock rearranging itself”

-Vladimir Vernadsky 

In this 2026 season of the Wende Museum’s experimental music series FRAMEWORKS, each featured artist will develop an interdisciplinary performance considering both domestic and public spaces as they relate to the artist’s singular perspective. The artists will reflect on the subtle implications of space, as functional and measurable records of cities or cultures; versus place, the conceptual and felt imaginings of the familiar or alien. Embodying the Wende’s ethos of promoting research into dynamic global networks and processes of transformation through an experimental lens, the series’ bimonthly, site-specific performances examine the “frameworks” through which we narrate the past and imagine the future; they complement the Museum’s exhibitions and programs while simultaneously acting as channels to contemporary scenes alive in Los Angeles.

Maral’s sonic palette incorporates a collage of Iranian Classical & Folk samples and explores genres of experimental electronic production such as noise, punk/post-punk, and dub. Maral has released two critically acclaimed records, Ground Groove (2022) and Push (2020) on Leaving Records. She has collaborated with artists such as Lee “Scratch” Perry, Panda Bear, Penny Rimbaud of Crass, Anika and more. She has performed at venues like The Getty Museum, LACMA, Greek Theater, Natural History Museum and more. Her work has been covered by major publications like Pitchfork, NPR, The Guardian, and more.

Annapurna Kumar makes animated films and soft sculpture, usually in connection to themes of extreme weather, technological skepticism, and human connection through collaboration. Her work has been shown at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, Banff Center, the Walker Art Center, The Greek Theater, REDCAT, Times Square, The Austin Museum of Digital Art, and the American Civil War Museum. She has been collaborating with Maral for over 15 years.

Doors to the A-Frame Theater will open at 1:45 p.m. and the performance will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a garden reception until 4 p.m.

Please note that the A-Frame Theater doors will close promptly at the start of the performance, and late entry will not be permitted.

RSVPs for this free program do not guarantee admission to the A-Frame Theater. Limited seating will be available on a first come, first served basis.

An ADA-accessible entrance to the Glorya Kaufman Community Center is available through the garden gate from the parking lot, which will open at 1:30 p.m.