Interactions between art and sociopolitics. Artivism and ideology in Romanian contemporary art
Interactions between art and sociopolitics. Artivism and ideology in Romanian contemporary art

Summary/Abstract: This study explores the intersections between art and sociopolitical engagement, with a particular focus on Romanian contemporary art and its manifestations of artivism. Drawing on theoretical perspectives from Bourdieu’s analysis of cultural capital to situationist and artivist approaches, the research examines how artistic practice simultaneously reflects and shapes sociopolitical realities. The project employed a qualitative methodology based on six semi-structured interviews with artists from Bucharest and Cluj, chosen for their engagement with socio-political themes. The findings confirm the assumption that contemporary art is inherently political, whether explicitly framed as activism or subtly encoded in creative expression. Artists perceive their work as a form of public discourse that can amplify marginalized voices, provoke debate, and stimulate social awareness. While aesthetic value remains important, participants emphasized the ethical and political responsibilities of art, often prioritizing social relevance over stylistic concerns. Their artistic interventions address issues such as capitalism, environmental crises, feminism, minority rights, and armed conflict, situating Romanian art within broader global currents of resistance and critique. At the same time, the study highlights tensions between art as a tool for activism and art as an autonomous creative pursuit, reflecting debates over representation, accessibility, and cultural gatekeeping. Interviewees also expressed pragmatic views on the social impact of art, recognizing its role in fostering dialogue and micro-level change, while remaining skeptical of its capacity to drive systemic transformation. Finally, discussions on artificial intelligence revealed openness to its potential as a creative tool and as a catalyst for collaborative rather than competitive artistic practices. Overall, the research demonstrates that in Romania, as elsewhere, art functions both as a mirror of societal struggles and as an active agent in shaping sociopolitical consciousness.

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