How to Talk About Work? Imaginary Archive as a Method

Abstract

This paper explores interdisciplinary artistic research on gender, labor, memory, and artistic envisioning in post-Soviet space, culminating in a film project. Drawing on interviews, the author synthesizes insights from her MA theses on labor dynamics during Lithuania’s transition to market capitalism, while also engaging with broader academic research, activism, and curatorial work. The thesis material functions as a way to academically interact with interviews, providing context for the author’s background and intentions.

The methodologies are anchored in the concept of the Imaginary Archive, with personal reflection addressing public post-colonial discourse and societal taboos surrounding the post-Soviet past. By employing interview materials and experiences from curatorial and activist contexts, this research aims to amplify marginalized voices and challenge dominant narratives. Ultimately, the paper poses a crucial question: What is the best way to engage with the Soviet past—a trauma that lingers in today’s post-Soviet society? It investigates whether artistic practices can offer deeper understanding and open pathways for reconciliation with this complex history.