During my 5 month residency at NAC (Lithuania), I explored a wide range of research topics that have deeply influenced my current work. I investigated the nearby Kravtsovskoye oil platform, observed the crows of Neringa, and delved into the mysterious death of a Russian Lukoil CEO (rumored to have been caused by a poisonous toad). Alongside this, I explored liver divination and the shadow fleet, weaving together speculative investigative journalism, para-fiction, and nature-revenge narratives.

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These diverse threads have come together as the foundation for a contemporary manuscript, blending found footage, fiction, poetry, and contemporary folk tales. The manuscript acts as both a speculative history and a documentary record, interlacing real geopolitical events with fictionalized accounts of animals, omens, and oil.

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Alongside this, I began prototyping a ‘toad liver divination tool’—a device where the toad’s belly reveals hidden narratives through a small screen, becoming a conduit for ancient prophecies and modern myths.

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Moving forward, I plan to expand this research further. Together with my partner, who is an investigative journalist, we will embark on writing a thriller that builds on these themes, combining our shared interest in uncovering hidden truths and weaving compelling stories.

The NAC residency provided a vital space to develop this work, and I’m excited to see where this investigation and collaboration will lead. (More updates soon!)

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Big thanks to: Mondriaan Fonds for supporting this residency period and to the amazing NAC team: Vasilisa Filatova and Gabija Naikauskaitė.