Dismaland, Banksy, 2015

on

Banksy took a once private place for families who could afford it, into a place less private where everyone is welcome. This was a major art exhibition that challenged notions of consumerism, immigration, and police,  and was much more accessible to the public by costing less than a traditional amusement park.  In its accessibility this piece becomes democratic as it plays on the need for “amusement” outside of day to day life. It is critiquing the very “amusement” that people seek an escape from, essentially this work becomes an escape from an escape. Although its appearance is quite gruesome, it offers the public a breath of oddly fresh air to combat the mundane aspects of life. An amusement park is typically a fun and happy place for families, but Banksy redefines it into a place that makes one’s skin crawl with its grotesque and displeasing features.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *