A Dismal Day In Weston Super Mare

DSCF0986Finally managed to get tickets for the penultimate day of the Dismaland Bemusement Park, after weeks of trying, and making sure I saw as little as possible about it, because I wanted to go with as few preconceptions as possible. The weather was glorious, the size of the queue was staggering, but we were there. DSCF0997 I loved it from the moment I was through the door, the security guard checking my ticket and confirming my similarity to the non existent photo on my ticket had me creased.  Screening equipment and guns created by Bill Barminski.DSCF1007The staff were such a vital part of the experience. DSCF1024The detail that went into this was amazing I uploaded one of the shots to facebook and it’s facial recognition software wanted me to tag all of them. The fact that the controls randomly change from the refugee vessel to western naval vessel, sending a clear message. DSCF1028Must have seen hundreds of pics of this before I went, but it is good. DSCF1030Can’t remember what this installation was called, but I’ve seen this sight far too often…DSCF1056Hook a Duck…from an oil slick…win a fish finger in a bag.  DSCF1062Dorcas Casey , brilliant sculptures created from fabric, somehow. DSCF1084Polly Morgans take on the rabbit that turned. DSCF1087Erm well, if you know,you know…   DSCF1088Ronit Baranga, ceramicist, I adore these, anybody want to buy me some for Christmas?  DSCF1093Mike Ross, created the awesome Big Jig Rig, apparently the park had to close early one day because of high winds, don’t think I’d like to see this shaking in the breeze. DSCF1123James Joyce revolving smiley face “Here for a Good Time Not a Long Time”. DSCF1140Tattooed baby in a vending machine by Dietrich Wegner. DSCF1154Banksys’ vision of the Grim Reaper and what he does in his spare time, rides around in a dodgem while listening to the Bee Gees Stayin’ Alive… who knew?DSCF1164‘Mental Escapology’ by Damien Hirst.

DSCF1169Jeff Gillette, stunning stuff.DSCF1172 DSCF1176Brock Davis, making wonderful use of everyday objects. DSCF1190 DSCF1196Kate MacDowell producer of exquisite figures in porcelain.  DSCF1200 DSCF1205Portrait by Laura Lancaster, who started painting her own family photos because she never knew who was who as she has a twin sister.  DSCF1206Lithuanian artist, Severija Incirauskaite-Kriauneviciene, recreates traditional patterns and floral embroidery designs on things like cars. DSCF1212Jessica Harrison,creates beautiful tattooed ladies. DSCF1219Maskull Laserres striking study of the anatomy of a carousel horse.DSCF1222Compelling portrait by Shadi Al Zaqzouq, Palestinian artist. DSCF1225Ben Long ‘Cornice Ice Cream’ DSCF1227 DSCF1228Neta Harari Navaon, surreal photorealistic paintings, breathtaking.  DSCF1231Banksy, doesnt have any issue with Disney, must just be mice then… DSCF1257The Aftermath Displacement Principle by Jimmy Cauty, the most fantastic and annoying thing at once. My only irritation of the day was that we were rushed around this and not able to have a proper look, the security fence didn’t help. Sadly the fence wasn’t there at the beginning of the exhibition, but was put in place due to over enthusiastic trophy hunters stealing the figures. DSCF1263 DSCF1273 DSCF1307     DSCF1314     DSCF1317The gloriously dark Dismaland castle was created by Block 9 (of Glastonbury fame),and is currently en route to the migrant camp in Calais.DSCF1319Dismal bossy britches. DSCF1322 DSCF1337Death of a princess, clever and yet disturbing. DSCF1373Huda Beydouns portraits of girls and women in Saudi Arabia wearing Burqas, the mouse heads are used to conceal the womens true identity to protect them from deportation. DSCF1381 DSCF1386This young lady was an absolute star on the Crazy Gulf, a proper jobsworth, I could have watched her all day!DSCF1388Supersize sand castle. DSCF1392Pocket Money Loans by Darren Cullen, easy cash for kids!DSCF1399Paul Insect and Bast, dancing dude. DSCF1400Donald Duck has fallen on hard times. DSCF1423 DSCF1426Seagull pizza thieves. DSCF1417 Stitch DSCF1428 And then it was over, yes there were a couple of things we didn’t get to see because of the lengthy queues, but we’d gotten around most of it. And I’m sorry, but I thought it was fantastic, I’m only dismal because it’s gone now…