Friday, August 21, 2015

Dismaland : an alternative theme park from Banksy


Banksy the infamous pseudonymous English graffiti artist, political activist, film director, and painter is making headlines around the world again with his latest and biggest creation to date. He and a whole hosts of artists ranging from Damien Hirst, Jenny Holtzer to Julie Burchill have taken over a dilapidated municipal swimming pool in Weston-super-mare, a traditional British seaside resort 150 miles west of London to create Dismaland 'a festival of art, amusements and entry-level anarchism' according to their website. 

Amongst the bizarre exhibits there is a decaying castle and model boats full of refugees, a Jeffrey Archer Memorial Fire Pit and a massive sandcastle topped by a multi-colored windmill and a prancing horse made from steel poles.  Dismaland website asks 'Are you looking for an alternative to the soulless sugar-coated banality of the average family day out? Or just somewhere a lot cheaper? Then this is the place for you-a chaotic new world where you can escape from mindless escapism.'  It entreats 'bring the whole family to come and enjoy the latest addition to our chronic leisure surplus -a bemusement park'.

Dismaland opens to the public today and will run seven days a week until September 27th.  Admission tickets are £3 each and be purchased at www.dismaland.co.uk.  The website also has the following warning for would-be visitors.   This event contains adult themes, distressing imagery, extended use of strobe lighting, smoke effects and swearing. The following items are strictly prohibited: knives, spraycans, illegal drugs, and lawyers from the Walt Disney corporation”.