Perhaps one of the most famed and most mysterious artists of our generation, Banksy is known for art that is often scathing commentary on society and politics. And now that commentary is taking on Disneyland in a new art exhibit dubbed “Dismaland“, which is a “bemusement park” set in the former Tropicana outdoor swimming pool in Weston, England.
In a statement, the artist claimed:
I loved the Tropicana as a kid, so getting to throw these doors open again is a real honour. I hope everyone from Weston will take the opportunity to once more stand in a puddle of murky water eating cold chips to the sound of crying children.
The “theme park”, which is thoroughly depressing, is set to run for five weeks, from the 22nd of August through the 27th of September. Featured within the park will be the artwork of 50 artists from around the world. There will be 10 pieces from Banksy him/herself.
Additionally, there will be multiple live performances throughout the event on each Friday night. Groups like Run The Jewel, Sleaford Mods, The Savages, Pussy Riot, and Massive Attack, as well as others, will be performing.
As of writing this post, the official website seems to be having trouble loading due to heavy traffic. Still, if you can get through, you can purchase tickets through the site.
Good Lord, Dismaland is brilliant. pic.twitter.com/Ywspx1fr3Y
— Da7e Gonzales (@Da7e) August 20, 2015
From the event’s official brochure:
Are you looking for an alternative to the soulless sugar-coated banality of the average family day out? Or just somewhere cheaper. Then this is the place for you—a chaotic new world where you can escape from mindless escapism. Instead of a burger stall, we have a museum. In place of a gift shop we have a library, well, we have a gift shop as well.
Bring the whole family to come and enjoy the latest addition to our chronic leisure surplus—a bemusement park. A theme park who’s big theme is: theme parks should have bigger themes…
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.
On the official website, a prohibition list includes, “…legal representatives of the Walt Disney Corporation.”
All images taken from the Banksy Dismaland Facebook page