Banksy Unveils Dismaland in the UK
- August 20, 2015 20:25
Street artist Banksy has conjured up Dismaland in an abandoned waterpark in the U.K.
It is decidedly not street art, says the artist. Bansky described the massive pop-up installation both as "escapism from mindless escapism" and a "family theme park unsuitable for children."
Situated in the Tropicana, a run-down former pool and leisure spot in Weston-super-Mare, the site was once frequented by Bristol-native Banksy on holiday. His current project was kept under tight wraps, but is expected to be a big draw for visitors over the next 5 weeks.
The art-infused park will not be without thrills, humor and the artist's biting social commentary. But is it too dark? The overturned carriage with a dead blonde princess engulfed by paparazzi, an ode to Princess Diana, is sure to rattle visitors.
The artist explains, “The fairytale is over, the world is sleepwalking towards climate catastrophe, maybe all that escapism will have to wait."
"A dead princess is only complete when surrounded by gawping crowds with their cameras out, or the opportunity to photograph yourself pulling an amazed expression when a killer whale leaps from a toilet," Banksy said of the works on display.
Adding, “Think of this as a fairground that embraces brutality and low level criminality - so a fairground then.”
Works by other artists are featured, including Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer and Jimmy Cauty.
The fine print on the "theme park" website: "The following are strictly prohibited in the Park – spray paint, marker pens, knives and legal representatives of the Walt Disney Corporation."