…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
A thought-provoking artwork by Banksy is set to be displayed publicly in Margate, aiming to ignite discussions about domestic abuse among thousands of people.
Titled “Valentine’s Day Mascara,” the street mural was initially discovered on the side of a house in the Kent seaside town and has now found a new home at the Dreamland amusement park.
Bringing Attention to Domestic Abuse:
Dreamland’s CEO, Eddie Kemsley, believes that while visitors may primarily focus on having fun at the theme park, the artwork’s theme will leave a lasting impact and prompt conversations at home.
The mural portrays a 1950s housewife with a swollen eye and missing tooth, wearing an apron and yellow washing up gloves, forcefully placing a man into a freezer.
A Community Effort:
Due to the real-life freezer accompanying the mural being removed twice after its initial discovery, the decision was made to relocate the artwork to a more accessible environment.
The homeowner desired for the artwork to remain local, accessible to the public, and also contribute to fundraising efforts for the Kent and Medway domestic abuse charity Oasis.
Tackling Stigma and Raising Awareness:
Claire Williams, the CEO of Oasis, considers it an impactful moment for Banksy, known for using his art as political commentary, to shed light on domestic abuse.
Williams believes that the artwork’s presence will spark conversations, particularly on a challenging topic that often remains unaddressed.
The hope is that the artwork will contribute positively to challenging stigma and raising awareness.
The Journey of the Artwork:
Collaboration between Dreamland, Red Eight Gallery, and Turner Contemporary made the relocation of Banksy’s artwork possible.
The removal process involved a team of engineers and an art conservator.
The mural was carefully detached from the house, which required the occupants to be temporarily relocated and the interior of the property to be stripped.
Transporting the piece into the Dreamland Roller Room proved to be the most challenging aspect, requiring the wall to be slightly altered for entry.
Future Plans and Impact:
While discussions are underway for the potential sale of the artwork, regardless of the outcome, the piece will remain in Margate for at least 12 months for public enjoyment.
Julian Usher, the boss of Red Eight Gallery, anticipates that the artwork may fetch a price between £1.5 million and £2 million due to its Banksy association.
However, the primary focus is on preserving the integrity of the artwork, raising awareness about its message, and keeping it accessible in Margate.
Promoting Arts and Culture in Margate:
Dreamland’s involvement in showcasing the artwork reflects the town’s cool and quirky atmosphere, aligning with its regeneration through arts and culture.
Dreamland’s Eddie Kemsley believes that having a Banksy piece adds another reason for visitors to explore and appreciate Margate’s vibrant artistic community.
Conclusion
Banksy’s artwork on domestic abuse displayed in Margate’s Dreamland amusement park aims to stimulate conversations and raise awareness about this pressing issue.
The relocation process involved significant efforts, ensuring the integrity of the artwork while making it accessible to the public.
Margate’s involvement in hosting this thought-provoking piece aligns with its commitment to promoting arts, culture, and meaningful discussions within the community.