29 photos from Banksy's twisted 'Dismaland' theme park - Business - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

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2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation  |  Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED   » NEWS NOW   British prime minister calls it quits       ...       Ticket sales suspended for Jackson County Fair headliner Craig Morgan       ...       State launches Medford campaign to deter pot use among youths       ...       British prime minister calls it quits       ...       Ticket sales suspended for Jackson County Fair headliner Craig Morgan       ...       State launches Medford campaign to deter pot use among youths       ...           29 photos from Banksy's twisted 'Dismaland' theme park Comment By Hollis Johnson MailTribune.com By Hollis Johnson Posted Aug. 21, 2015 at 3:55 PM By Hollis Johnson Posted Aug. 21, 2015 at 3:55 PM »  Social News Toby Melville/Reuters Of all the world's dodgy amusement parks, "Dismaland" might be the best. Don't bring the kids, though. With Cinderella's corpse (coach crash) and an elderly woman being devoured by birds, it's not exactly family friendly. The "bemusement park," which opened Thursday, is described by its mysterious street artist creator, Banksy , as "a festival of art, amusements, and entry-level anarchism." Dismaland is located in the English town of Weston-super-mare in a disused swimming facility. According to the park's droll website, legal representatives of the Walt Disney Corporation are strictly prohibited from entering. The photos below, taken by Toby Melville for Reuters, show the grim site in all its dystopic, grisly glory. British artist Banksy has been doing street art all over the world for more than 20 years, but his identity remains a mystery. Toby Melville/Reuters A performer is pictured at the TSA-style entrance to Dismaland. Toby Melville/Reuters From the time you enter to the time you leave, the whole park is filled with twisted humor. Toby Melville/Reuters Visitors should expect a thorough pat-down to gain access to the park. Toby Melville/Reuters The park is located on beachfront property in a deserted lido pool. Toby Melville/Reuters Many of the art pieces are sharp critiques on modern amusement. This one appears to take a shot at Sea World, which was ripped apart by the 2013 documentary "Blackfish." Toby Melville/Reuters Apathetic attendants wear safety vests and mouse ear hats while telling guests to "end joy" the attractions. Here's one showing off the park's terrifying brochures. Toby Melville/Reuters This installation, called "Big Rig Jig," depicts two oil trucks entwined in a frantic dance. Toby Melville/Reuters Banksy's street art is scattered throughout the park. Toby Melville/Reuters A garish carousel is running, but something isn't quite right about it. Toby Melville/Reuters Many of the murals are politically charged. Toby Melville/Reuters Cinderella's coach has crashed outside her grungy castle, making quite a scene. Toby Melville/Reuters A mural decrying economic inequality hangs precariously above an overgrown lagoon. Toby Melville/Reuters A sculpture of a woman is engulfed by seagulls, a reference to the increasingly aggressive gulls of the English coast that recently made the news. Toby Melville/Reuters This not-so-happy sandbox is right next to a loan office offering a 5,000% interest rate. Toby Melville/Reuters A closer look at the loan office's signage. Toby Melville/Reuters This smiling portrait of British Prime Minister David Cameron looks down from a damaged billboard next to an outdoor film screening. Toby Melville/Reuters The rickety Ferris wheel offers an aerial view of the park and its surrounding area. Toby Melville/Reuters A gloomy castle that looks like it's seen better days towers over the other attractions. Toby Melville/Reuters This bored attendant sits next to the "Punch and Judy" puppet show while an armored police vehicle rusts in the lagoon behind. Toby Melville/Reuters Another indifferent staff member stands watch near a toilet paper picnic table. Toby Melville/Reuters The dingy expanse of concrete and asphalt adds to the park's state of disrepair. Toby Melville/Reuters The "Topple the Anvil" game requires a strong hand. Toby Melville/Reuters The park includes galleries facetiously billed as, "The finest collection of contemporary art ever assembled in a North Somerset seaside town," which include installations and pieces by well known artists. Toby Melville/Reuters The art furthers the park's sarcastic take on consumerism and amusement. Toby Melville/Reuters There are many dark sculptural pieces as well. Toby Melville/Reuters This work portraying a boat of refugees, plus one floating in the water, is a comment on Europe's refugee crisis. Toby Melville/Reuters Tempting... but then again, maybe not. Toby Melville/Reuters The pop-up park and exhibition will be open until September 27, with tickets costing �3 or $4.70. Toby Melville/Reuters See Also: Here's how 12 incredible World's Fair 'leftovers' have held up over time The 'flex' dancers of New York City contort their bodies in ways you never imagined possible 10 crazy pictures of your favorite foods sliced directly down the middle SEE ALSO: More photos of Banksy's grimy "Dismaland" If you can't get enough Banksy: 25 of Banksy's most brilliant works By Hollis Johnson MailTribune.com By Hollis Johnson Posted Aug. 21, 2015 at 3:55 PM » Comment or view comments   Reader Reaction »  STAY INFORMED   Email NewsLetter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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