Mysterious, secretive, and imaginary, all may be words used to describe the infamous pop-street artist, Banksy. But who or what really is Banksy?
Banksy is supposedly a British street artist that began creating one-of-a-kind street art in 2002. Most of the time not leaving a note or description, Bansky creates statues and paintings that are beyond imagination. They pop up in the most random urban locations. They leave many people wondering how one person could create such creatures and objects in their mind.
Image Source: news.navi.jp
According to Wikipedia, “Banksy's name and identity remain unknown, but a commonly cited 2008 British Sunday Mail investigation of several former schoolmates and associates that he is believed to be a former pupil at the public British Cathedral School." There has also been speculation that Banksy is a woman, or that Banksy is a team of seven artists.
In 2013 Banksy held a major outdoor exhibit in New York City, and this February he came back in a big way. He created provocative political murals on the Gaza strip.
Recently, Bansky revealed one of his biggest projects since his political murals. On August 21, Banksy sent out a press release detailing his newest artistic creation, “Dismaland.” Some say it is a satirical anti-Disneyland, but Bansky is quoted in an interview with the Guardian saying, “Dismaland is a theme park whose big theme is — theme parks should have bigger themes.” Take that how you will.
Image Source: The New York Times
According to the New York Times, “Shortly after the website for 'Dismaland' went up on Thursday, the ticketing function abruptly crashed, prompting online speculation that the ticketing issues were part of Banksy’s doom-and-gloom concept.”
Image Source: The Guardian
With each new creation and concept, Banksy makes the world remember his name, even if we don’t know his face. The exhibit features several fake rides and attractions, modeled almost like a post-apocalyptic Disneyland. The staff at Dismaland is rude and impolite, and you won’t find colorful Mickey ears and candy at the gift shop.
Image Source: The New York Times
The Banksy website describes the exhibit as a place that, “contains uneven floor surfaces, extensive use of strobe lighting, imagery unsuitable for small children and swearing. The following are strictly prohibited in the Park – spray paint, marker pens, knives and legal representatives of the Walt Disney Corporation.”
Dismaland will be open for five weeks at its Weston-Super-Mare England site. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth.
Check out BBC's look into Dismaland here.
Official Dismaland promotional video:
