OMI
MAKARENKO
My name is Omi. I live and work in Almaty. I am a sound artist, DJ, engineer, and media practitioner. As an openly transgender woman, one of the core missions of my artistic practice is to expand the space for visibility, presence, and political expression for trans* people—especially within post-Soviet contexts.
My practice has developed at the intersection of different cultures and countries—I was born in Kyiv, lived in India, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. As a child, I was surrounded by temples, opera, choral mantras, and later by UKG and jungle radio shows. From an early age, I experienced sound as a way of connecting physically, spiritually, and socially—and this continues to shape the foundation of my work.
2017
In December 2017, I took part in the creation of the performance When the Oppressed Speak, developed collectively within the Evening School of ШТАБ (School of Theory and Activism, Bishkek).
The project was based on archival materials about revolutionary figure Alexander Vladychuk and created as a collaborative process: we studied historical documents, wrote the script, designed visual and sonic elements, made posters, props, and dialogue.
Actresses from the independent theatre “Mesto D…” worked with us, performed in the play, and shared their acting experience. This project became a powerful example for me of how art can emerge from solidarity, co-creation, and political memory.
Event announcement | Full video | Project context (Facebook)
2019
I was actively involved in the creating of OBJECT, one of Almaty’s key independent club spaces. I developed engineering and lighting solutions for the venue—and this is where I began my practice as a DJ.
OBJECT on Instagram
That same year, I joined GForce Grey, the most awarded creative agency in Central Asia, as a craft designer. During my time there, the agency received a Gold Cannes Lion (2024) and Silver and Bronze Lions (2025) for socially engaged campaigns.
2020
Since the club’s opening in 2020 and for several years afterward, I was a resident DJ at BULT, where I performed regularly and supported the venue as a volunteer—actively contributing to its cultural life and community.
BULT on Instagram
2021
I participated in the international project Qaravanistan, focused on queer artists across the Silk Road region. My experimental sound mix from that project stood out to curator and artist Lisa, who later invited me to collaborate on a new joint work—the project we are submitting this application for.
Qaravanistan artist page | Mix on Telegram
2022
Together with Saint Petersburg based artist Prisheletz, I launched Subject Jam—a weekly open-format electronic jam, workshop, and community event series hosted at the Subject club in Almaty.
In spring 2023, our project grew into Subject Jam Orchestra, a collaborative performance group.
Subject Jam Orchestra on Instagram
In autumn 2022, I performed a live sound piece at the Korkut Festival as part of the Prepared Environments showcase—using only mechanical and found objects (such as a car pump and whistles) to create sound.
Festival program | Showcase info
2022
With Subject Jam Orchestra, I performed at:
– Events hosted by CHAIKHANA, ŞUAQ, and TolK
– A live improvisational set at the art exhibition Borders:Freedom in Bishkek (August 2023)
Borders:Freedom — event clip
2024–2025
In 2025, my track was released as part of an international fundraising compilation in support of trans people in the UK.
Bandcamp compilation
In May–June 2025, I performed as a DJ and sound artist in the play Dark Room, directed by ARTiSHOCK Theatre and presented at the New Lawn festival.
Performance info | Reviews: 98Mag, Kursiv, Exclusive
I also co-curate and perform at Zapredely—a series of experimental dance events I have been involved with since its founding. These gatherings center on embodied listening, rhythmic tension, and sonic transformation.
In earlier years, I facilitated peer support groups for trans people in Almaty, and in recent years I have shifted toward public creative practices—using DJing, installation, and sound as forms of visibility, resistance, and political presence.
