Street Artist Banksy Creates a Dark Parody of the Happiest Place on Earth

In collaboration with 50 artists from around the world, Banksy transforms the Tropicana, a former open air swimming pool in the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare, into what he dubs as ‘UK’s most disappointing new visitor attraction.’ Although the anonymous street artist insists that his largest art installation to date is not a parody of Disneyland, the references are undeniable. What we envision ‘the happiest place on Earth’ might look like in a post-apocalyptic era, ‘Dismaland‘ is full of dark and disturbing images and Banksy’s disclaimer says it all: “a family theme park unsuitable for children”. Park-goers are treated to a truly unique experience complete with a despondent staff, a few rides, impossible carnival games and as expected, an array of art in every corner. Part satirical exhibition and part entertainment, sculptures include a distorted sculpture of The Little Mermaid in the middle of a scum-filled pond, a killer whale jumping out of a toilet into a kiddie swimming pool, and a dead princess hanging out of an overturned carriage photographed endlessly by the paparazzi. Dismaland is open until September 27 and features live performances every Fridays by Run the Jewels, The Savages, Massive Attack, and more.