Continuously relevant, no matter the year, unfortunately timeless considering the state of our world, and ultimately poignant as the nation fights over cultural right.
Approaching the event space you’ll find a transformed abandoned lot in Weston-super-Mare. The transformation isn’t on a grand scale but it is infinite in each crevice and detail within the art displayed. This exhibition isn’t about art for art’s sake. It is about the uniformity of the western world, making messages hit home. It’s about the little people. It is a mediocre replica of an amusement park. We won’t say it’s a replica of Disneyland. It’s not. Saying that, I had always wanted to go to Disney when I was younger, but as an adult I can confidently say I appreciated the version offered by Banksy and more than 50 artists (from 17 different nations) a great deal more. We might need to keep in mind that I haven’t actually been to any Disneyland… how dismal and utterly revealing.
When I travel or explore I tend to become quiet at times, and that’s exactly what I needed at Dismaland. There wasn’t a single screaming or crying child around, it was a contained affair. What with the disgruntled employees being a part of the art of life. They were utterly miserable and I loved it. Not a single smile and I was even shot in the back for winning the tin can game. Winning is not allowed, what can I say, I’m a rebel.
A few things stood out for me, especially the outdoor cinema which showcases various videos and shots. One of my favourites was The Employment by OpusBou, an animated depiction of a man and his life, going through a daily routine heading to his corporate 9-5 job, where the message was quite clear when he lay on the floor in front of an office door; a 9-5 doormat.
Another video I thoroughly enjoyed was Danielle by Anthony Cerniello, which showed an ageing female. It was simple yet eye-catching and drew a sort of melancholy within me as I watched her facial features change. At first you don’t know what to expect and by the time you realise you’re going to have to face that we all age, it’s too late and you’re transfixed.
A couple of pieces by Banksy are scattered across the grounds but also on show are the striking pieces by over 50 artists. I loved Barry Reigate’s seductive work with crazy characters, the employment of bright, chaotic colour is the first thing that stood out for me.
Laura Lancaster’s designs struck a chord as her concept was intriguing. She uses anonymous photos, slides and films that have been long-forgotten as her inspiration. The subjects in her paintings are slightly distorted, the identity just out of reach.
Bright, happy and eye-catching are the words I’d use for Amir Schiby’s image, until you realise what it is depicting, rendering you speechless. The image is of four Palestinian boys who were killed on a Gaza beach by Israeli shelling- his tribute to all children living in war zones. Regardless of the warm tones, I found it slightly chilling and an abrupt reminder that there are children, now, facing a harsher life than the one we are living.
In reference to the refugee boats at Dismaland, the following will explain it far better than I ever could:
An entertaining showcase was when stepping into the geodome and seeing all the creative placards that have appeared in protests in recent times. I whole-heartedly agree with all of them.
There was so much going on within Dismaland that you truly had to be there for the full experience. The programme for the exhibition is definitely something you need to buy. If you have a browse as you walk around it will help you understand the artists, their passion, their pain and their message.
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