Artist Statement

It is up to us to determine which impact we will impart upon a world that is crying for help. Often, this is one of the most difficult things to achieve while staying true to our own nature. Denise Onen’s existence as a multicultural African, queer individual is rooted in serving as an active cultural practitioner, with a demonstrated history of contribution to collaborative sonic works across a variety of performance mediums.

 

Onen has been primarily dedicated to projects that have raised awareness around social issues and triumphs, empowered local communities, and held space for marginalised bodies. Notably, Onen was a shortlisted nominee for the 2022 International Oram Award for feminine-bodied innovators in sound, music, and associated technology.

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Onen's practical and academic dedication has empowered her to explore creative pursuits across a diverse range of disciplines, including composition, mixing and mastering engineering, production, recording, performance, and her preferred role as a sound designer—thus, earning her the title of an "audio alchemist."

Her exemplary performance is demonstrated through featured works and collaborations at events among the likes of the National Arts Festival (2023, 2022); Sundance International Film Festival (2022) - nomination: Jury Prize for Best Short Film; Dak'Art - Biennale de l'Art Africain Contemporain (2022); Durban International Film Festival, winning Best South African Short (2022); Encounters South African International Documentary Festival (2021), as well as the Cairo International Film Festival (2021), winning Best Southern African Documentary.