Socialist realism was a type of art and literature that was popular in communist countries in the mid-20th century. It was a way for the government to control what kinds of stories and images people saw, and to promote the values and ideals of communism.
In Romania, socialist realism was especially important because the country was under communist rule from 1947 to 1989. During this time, artists and writers were expected to create works that celebrated the achievements of the Communist Party, the working class, and the struggle against capitalism.
These works often featured heroic figures, like factory workers or farmers, who were depicted as strong and determined, working together to build a better society. They also emphasized the importance of education and scientific progress, and often portrayed communism as a more just and equal system than capitalism.
However, socialist realism was also used as a tool of propaganda, and artists who were perceived as being critical of the government or not following the party line could face serious consequences. This led to a lot of censorship and self-censorship in the arts, and many artists felt that they were not free to express themselves fully.
Despite these challenges, Romanian artists did manage to create some important works in the socialist realist style, including paintings, sculptures, and novels. Some of these works are still celebrated today as part of Romania's cultural heritage, even though they were created under a repressive regime.