Image via YouTube
A pop-up art installation in the United Kingdom resembles something the Joker and his minions would use as a hideout. It's a sordid take on Disneyland and other theme parks, and, wouldn't you know it, is the brainchild of elusive street artist Banksy.
Colossal's Christopher Jobson reports on a peculiar installation that resembles an emo teenager's idea of Disneyland. The attendants are moody, the décor is macabre and the atmosphere is downright depressing.
It's called Dismaland, and it's really quite lovely.
Thanks to a massive gathering of creative artists, a portion of Weston-super-Mare has been transformed into something quite dark but equally inviting.
Jobson explains: "The event has all the hallmark details of a traditional Banksy event from a shroud of ultimate secrecy (the event area was plastered in notices designating it as filming location for a movie titled Gray Fox) to general themes of apocalypse, anti-consumerism, and anti-corporate messages. However there's one major deviation: the emphasis of Dismaland is largely on other artists' work instead of Banksy himself."
The prolific list of artists is presented at the event's website, which also offers a nifty map of the outrageous theme park and its various installations.
However, it's best to take a look at the park to see what is in store for visitors who might drop by and experience a Bizarro-world Disney experience.
And the images continue on Twitter:
As you can clearly see, careful planning went into making this the gloomiest place on earth.
Jobson posts a portion of the park's brochure, which reads the following: "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.
"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."
As noted, the event takes place for a limited time, beginning on Aug. 22 and ending on Sept. 27.
More information on tickets can be found at the official website-although as of this writing there were issues with the link, perhaps, and this is pure speculation, due to an influx of interest.
Then again, this is a park where the attendants seem absolutely displeased to welcome you, so the website should be no different. But if you are in the mood for doom and gloom, Banksy has prepared a deliciously fiendish treat for those visiting the area.
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