Provocative English artist Banksy has created an art installation that will take the form of a dark and macabre twist on an internationally known amusement park.
His latest installation in Weston, England, has been dubbed Dismaland “bemusement park,” according to Stereogum. If the name doesn’t give it away, the artwork is inspired by Disneyland, but features a dark and thought provoking side, instead of the usual cheery and cleansed side that viewers are used to seeing. Dismaland is described, by their official website, as being a “festival of art, amusements and entry-level anarchism.”
This defiant exhibition, which features a number of Banksy originals, has been set up at the former Tropicana outdoor swimming pool in Weston.
In addition to highlighting Banksy’s work, the installation provides a platform for other artists like Damien Hirst and Jenny Holzer, along with lesser known artists, according to CNN. In total, there are 50 artists – from some 17 different countries – will have work on display as a part of Dismaland, according to CNN.
This exhibition is currently scheduled to run for five weeks.
“I loved the Tropicana as a kid, so getting to throw these doors open again is a real honour,” the artist said in a statement. “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.”
“Other attractions include a cinema, mini golf, a circus tent and a ‘Guerilla Island’, a celebration of guerilla art, which will also give workshops ‘on how to hack billboards,’” according to Forbes.com.
You may be wondering, where is the musical connection here?
Yes, there is one, as every Friday night there will be a performance at the installation location. Banksy has managed to gather some notable names, including Run The Jewels, Savages, Massive Attack, and the news-making Russian band, Pussy Riot. And, if that weren’t enough, every Saturday, there will be a DJ present to present and perform a set of songs for those in attendance.
Check out their poster that lists many of the musical happenings, below.