Maurice J. Hermans
is a Dutch artist



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 De Vrolijke Vernietiging
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ZENICA FIELDTRIP #5

Religion, Tito, soccer, industry, in any order of significance is what I came across during my fifth fieldtrip. From February 26 to March 18, 2026, I explored the city of Zenica, together with my good friend-photographer Benjamin Perry. this was by far the longest fieldtrip, focussing on the interplay between industrial heritage and contemporary urban life. I figured from my last visit, which lasted about a week, a week or two longer would definitely boost my productivity. Well, Did it?

OUTPUT

9.805 words written 2.763 images by Benjamin Perry   354 images by me 15 students participating in a four-day workshop, organized by the Universities of ZUYD & Zenica 5 MIRO maps as a result of the students exchange 2 Iftar hikes 1 screening of The Sky Above Zenica
I was invited to an Iftar Hike, a first for me. We walked with 500 plus people to the surrounding mountains of Zenica, ending on the top with sunset, collective prayers and emerging spring wheather. The Iftar hikes in ZENICA are led by NGO Hiking club Azimuth 135 and welcomes not only muslims, also non-fasting and non-muslim people can join. As I did and found it to be a wonderful experience.


The city of Zenica is in the midst of a transitional phase: its industry is shutting down faster than the blink of an eye, and the idea of preserving some of its industrial heritage is gaining traction within the community. Recently, the Zenica City Administration expressed its ambition to purchase the land and facilities of Stara Jama Rudnik, the brown coal mine near the city center. This site could be transformed into a museum space. According to Afan Abazović, “the Museum of Industry and Mining could be modeled after the Dutch Mining Museum in Heerlen”.
Dutch and Bosnian students discussing their mapping experiences, in a classroom.
A group of students exploring the offices of the former coal mine.

I indulged in what I COME to name as Bosnian Improv, meaning the art of getting things done when the system isn’t there to provide structural backing. The principle ‘I know a friend who knows a friend’ has been cultivated to some degree of perfectionism. Partly out of necessity, partly as a human response to failing systems. In the end, very effective as I came to experience and As in all my fieldtrips, it is an experience of Bosnian hospitality. making me feel welcome as if I’m a longtime friend from wayback.