~ August 22 - September 27 ~
"Bring the whole family to come and enjoy the latest addition to our chronic leisure surplus…"
Photo by Christopher Jobson for Colossal
Dismaland pulls back the curtain of denial -- ie: nonstop happy faces, in the face of a planet in crisis -- and reveals, in Banksy's unflinching art-meets-activism style, our very real dark side. From the pond of remote-controlled boats packed with migrants to an abattoir carousel featuring horse meat, this is not your grandma's amusement park.
"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."
Dubbed an "escape from mindless escapism", the seaside park located in Banksy's hometown of Bristol features new works by him, as well as hundreds of pieces by 58 artists from around the globe.
Detail from an artwork by Jimmy Cauty titled The Aftermath Displacement Principle - a model of an entire town frozen just after a period of civil unrest.
Rear view portraits.
Nettie Wakefield renders your likeness in an exquisite pencil drawing, but only the back of your head. Surprisingly revealing.
Toilet paper picnic table by Michael Beitz
An armour plated riot control vehicle built to serve on the streets of Northern Ireland. Equipped with sniper posts, grenade launchers and now – a children’s slide.
A guide holding a bouquet of balloons with the phrase, "I am am an imbecile."
One of my favorite features, before you even enter the park, you've "entered". The "security" at the door are dressed in Alice-In-Wonderland style costumes, with oversized police caps and cardboard reinforcements:
Banksy describes the exhibition as "a festival of art, amusements and entry-level anarchism".
The Comrades Advice Bureau, where people are given tutorials on how to get into bus stop advertising display cases.
Photograph by Alicia Canter for the Guardian
Be sure to "exit through the gift shop" to pick up an
Ad Space Hacking Pack, 5£.
What anarchist art event would be complete without a soundtrack. Every Friday features an incredible line-up of live music:
Wish you were here:
Australian news video.
