Clandestiene luisteraars before 1949

Erkelens created "Clandestiene luisteraars" using etching techniques on paper. The composition, though small, pulls us into an intimate interior space with a group of figures gathered around what appears to be a radio. The visual field is dominated by dense, wiry lines that define forms and create a textured surface. The artist's strategic use of hatching and cross-hatching builds a sense of depth, subtly illuminating the figures and objects. The confined space is almost palpable, evoking a sense of secrecy and shared purpose among the listeners. The overall effect destabilizes conventional notions of public and private, revealing how the domestic space becomes a site for clandestine political engagement. Notice how the lines are not merely descriptive but also expressive, contributing to the atmosphere of hushed anticipation. This approach challenges the fixed meanings of interior space and offers a nuanced perspective on social resistance.