Dismaland was Dismal

bonatto

bonatto

looking out
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"It’s an experiment in offering something less resolved than the average theme park. For some reason it’s been labelled as ‘twisted’ but I’ve never called it that. We just built a family attraction that acknowledges inequality and impending catastrophe. I would argue it’s theme parks which ignore these things that are the twisted ones."
-Banksy

http://www.dismaland.co.uk/interview/

I was surprised at the amount of people who didn't seem to get the point of the place, or simply chose to deal with such explicit socio-political criticism by laughing it off.

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bonatto said:
I was surprised at the amount of people who didn't seem to get the point of the place, or simply chose to deal with such explicit socio-political criticism by laughing it off.
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In your photos they seem appropriately dismal, you were expecting suicides?:)
 
At the extreme opposite of Dismaland is Dismals Canyon, a National Natural Landmark in northwest Alabama. It is a one of a kind, quite unique natural area. Google it for details. Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with Dismals Canyon.
 
Truth in advertising!

I hope to get there before they close.

Gotta be better than Disneyland (which I have visited).

Cheers,

R.
 
Banksy's work is a bit on the nose for me but it's heartening to see an exhibit attracting such crowds.

How were the visitors acting that suggested they didn't seem to get the point of the place?
 
Andy Kibber said:
Banksy's work is a bit on the nose for me but it's heartening to see an exhibit attracting such crowds.

How were the visitors acting that suggested they didn't seem to get the point of the place?
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Alright, this is a tough one to answer but I will try anyways.

Obviously my take on it is just that, and maybe I didn't get the joke. On any occasion, there are two things to consider. I consider myself to be concerned with a wide range of current events topics - I try to hear a few sides of the stories. Secondly, I've lived in the UK for a few years now and there is such a thing as dry British humo(u)r.

Coming from what is perhaps a cookie cutter opposite in terms of 'political correctness' (and I don't refer to he personal-insult-trump brand), dismaland can, from the get-go be very offensive. The centerpiece is a dead cinderella crash scene based on princess diana's fateful paris night. On the other hand, it can be delightfully funny (third picture, topple the anvil, win the anvil - £1, everyone wins a prize).

Staff were rude. Some were playing a part, others were genuinely pissed off, perhaps somewhat disenfranchised youth. There was one who would fling sand at peoples faces and backs. Many laughed when an appropriate response on any other circumstance would have been a solid F* you.

I just felt there was a very serious undertone that, because of the names like Banksy and Hirst, got shrouded in this weird artsy veil, attracting critics and pundits of the cultural elite. I presume followers of these more appeasing art brands were there, and got a kick out of the £5 I am an imbecile balloons.

It's easy to tune out the severe meaning of a lot of the artwork and look as it an attraction. As a sign said - if you are not outraged, you are not paying attention.

Of course, I could write a review of every single piece there that I think supports these statements, but that would be beside the point.

At the same time I get that by chalking off these people's reactions is also alienating their perfectly valid personal interpretations of things.

I'll take my tin-foil hat now, please.
 
citizen99 said:
Google "The Drake"? No, nothing in the first several pages ...
... until you add search terms like Seinfeld handicap parking ;)
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Funny but wrong.
I thought a 'twisted carnival barker/master of ceremony' would suit the exhibit. 'The Drake' persona works for me. Ref: Hobo with a shotgun.
 
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