WHITE K – Deadly ONLY to Planet Life of Any World
Research presentation and
Video 1’14”
As first described in the fictional Kryptonite Handbook from 1960 as one of Superman’s Achilles’ heel plot devices, a new, real-world mineral with the same chemical formula—sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide—was discovered in 2004 in the Jadar Valley, West Serbia.
This presentation is part of the artist’s research to gather facts and information about one of the most controversial investments in Serbia's recent history: the proposed “Jadar project” by one of the world’s biggest mining companies. The mine would impact a total of 807 hectares of landscapes with outstanding natural features, located between the Jadar and Korenita rivers. Twenty kilometres downstream, the Jadar flows into the Drina, a major river running between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which eventually joins the Sava and Danube. The project threatens hundreds of habitats, including those of over 68 species protected by the Bern Convention—mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, and 53 bird species.
"Since 2001, several key developments have shaped the story of this geological exploration and the preparation for opening the biggest
greenfield lithium mine: the company’s sparse and non-transparent communication, which evolved from "we do not communicate" to
narratives of "fighting disinformation" and "not giving up on the project"; the shifting stance of Serbian authorities toward the project;
and the strong resistance of local communities in the Jadar Valley, as well as environmental organizations and citizens across Serbia,
where lithium and other ore explorations are already underway or planned."(1)
White – K" video is just one aspect that the artists chose to address first in this series of works. It serves as a visual reflection on the weighty decision facing the people of Serbia: “To shoot?” (as in, “go ahead with the project”) or “Not?”
The government frames the issue by asking: “Are you in favour of Serbia’s prosperity? New jobs? Economic recovery?” However, many argue that the real question is: “Are you for health or wealth—and for whose benefit exactly? For green fields and biodiversity, or for the mines?”
While the government assures that mining companies will adhere to strict environmental regulations, critics point to past failures in enforcement and recent mining-related disasters, both in Serbia and worldwide. The debate reveals deeply divided positions, each side firmly holding to its stance, yet both grappling with the same dilemma: 'Are you for life?'—forced to decide without clear solutions, real certainties, or any guarantees about what will truly be better for the future of their one and only country.
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Research: 30-page article available on request
Exhibitions: 2025 Designing Desobidiance, NeMe Arts Centre, Limassol
NOTES:
(1) Balkan Green Energy News online magazine - Environment - The Jadar project – the most important events that marked the most controversial investment in the recent history of Serbia, 2024