De Vrije Pers Possibly 1945

This newsprint broadside, "De Vrije Pers," was created in the Netherlands in 1945, probably with a printing press and ink. It’s a monochrome image, all greys and blacks, punctuated by columns of text. I imagine the typesetter carefully placing each letter, the inky smell filling the room, and the anticipation of the news reaching eager hands. Think about the urgency of the message and the context of the time. The artists, Samenwerkende ex-illegale organen, were freedom fighters, and this paper was their weapon. It wasn't just about relaying information, it was an act of resistance, a way to keep hope alive. I wonder if the artists ever imagined their work would end up in a museum. Did they see themselves as artists, or simply as people doing what they had to do? Either way, this broadside speaks to the power of the collective, the importance of fighting for what you believe in, and the enduring human need for truth and freedom.