We’ve been getting our first peeks at Banksy’s creepy dystopian Disneyland reworking Dismaland after it opened this morning. A staggeringly large crumbling castle replica, a weird Ariel the Mermaid lookalike, a grim reaper riding a haunted ride; everything in the exhibition at the derelict Weston-super-Mare seafront looks distinctly eerie. Added bonus – there’ll be gigs too.
Every Friday night from August 28, visitors will enjoy a live show with some decidedly less creepy entertainment. Artists playing include Savages, Run The Jewels, Massive Attack, and Pussy Riot. DJs will also be on late every Saturday night.
The hype around Banksy’s latest show is justified since he’s been pretty much inactive in the UK for a long time, holding shows overseas. Dismaland is his first show in the UK since Banksy v Bristol Museum show in 2009. The exhibition, taking over the beach for six weeks, will feature work from Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer and Jimmy Cauty, as well as rides, mini golf, a circus tent and "Guerilla Island", a celebration of guerilla art, which will also give workshops on how to hack billboards.
Rumours that a Banksy exhibit was on the horizon began earlier this week when Holly Cushing, thought to be Banksy’s manager, was spotted talking to security guards at the site, and financial records showed that she set up a company called Dismaland Ltd earlier this year.
Trip to the seaside, anyone?
