Autor: Đejmi Hadrović
Zenica mog oka 1974 is an immersive new media art installation that explores the history and influence of the tallest chimney in Europe – the chimney in Trbovlje. Using glass structures, sound, and smoke, the work reflects and transforms the visual and narrative content of this industrial building, creating a space for contemplation and interaction.
The region of Zasavje, where the chimney is located, has been of exceptional importance throughout its history due to its rich coal deposits. Industrialization shaped the city, but it also brought high levels of pollution, especially in the 1990s. Air pollution was so high that children were not allowed to stay outside and schools were often closed. The author of the work personally experienced the health consequences, as she developed bronchitis at an early age.
Sound and smoke are key elements of the work. Using archival footage of industrial buildings and layered soundscapes, the installation evokes the sounds of work as well as images of the disappearance of the industrial landscape. Smoke, once a symbol of progress, is now becoming a reminder of the ecological consequences of industrialization.
In addition to showcasing industrial heritage, the installation also raises questions about our relationship to it. In Zasavje, chimneys are considered a cultural endemic, but the work also draws attention to their other side: difficult working conditions, health consequences, and ecological impacts. The author opens up space for reflection on industrial heritage not only as a source of pride, but also as a complex legacy that includes human sacrifice and environmental change.
