A spaceship to Mars is taking off from Glastonbury – but only metaphorically.
At this year’s exhibition by Block9, an innovative political piece of art titled “Off-Planet Launch” has sparked a global debate. The artwork depicts figures such as J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Jeff Bezos, and others being sent off from Earth in a theatrical manner.
Entitled “Exiled to Mars“, this thought-provoking mural depicts high-ranking individuals, donning spacesuits that resemble prison garb, embarking on a spacecraft bound for Mars.
“The tech bros want to go to Mars, so we’re sending them there”,
reads a sign.
The individuals portrayed encompass influential tycoons in technology, such as Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos, along with controversial political personas like Trump, Farage, Netanyahu, Putin, and Prince Andrew of Britain.
“There’s room on the rocket for a few more souls. […] just some of the people who in recent years have made life on earth more difficult for the rest of us.”
The mural’s message appears to be directed at notable figures like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, who have recently faced criticism for extravagant weddings and contentious behavior, such as amplifying far-right content on X, respectively. These incidents have made them subject to debate and controversy among many.
The art represents a condemnation of wealth hoarding and global political interference.
Another sign reads:
“We don’t need to live on Mars. We need to protect our planet and celebrate the fact that Earth is the only place for humanity to thrive. So let’s send them to Mars while we party on Earth.”
This humorous work mirrors the contemporary pattern of criticizing politics, exemplified by the increasing popularity of the “Eat the Rich” mindset. This ideology can be observed in diverse forms such as protest ice pops in New York City and Los Angeles, satirical attacks on billionaires at festivals, and fashion shows showcasing anti-billionaire themes.
“The Coolest I’ve Ever Looked”
Perhaps most debated among the passengers of the artwork is Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.
She’s shown with a cigar, mirroring her past triumphant stance following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that supported “biologically-based definitions” of womanhood, a judgment that received significant backlash from advocates for transgender rights.
Due to her increasingly divisive comments regarding the transgender community, several former Harry Potter cast members, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, have chosen to disassociate themselves from her viewpoints.
Both Pedro Pascal and renowned author and broadcaster Stephen Fry have openly expressed their differing opinions from J.K. Rowling on certain matters.
Am I misunderstanding something here? Does this situation make me appear particularly stylish or trendy? This is the most flattering I’ve felt about my appearance in a long time.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 27, 2025
Rowling herself responded on X (formerly Twitter) following Julie Bindel’s sarcastic labeling of the image as “lesbian icon” material. Rowling replied:
“I’m really confused. Am I supposed to feel insulted? That’s the coolest I’ve ever looked in my life.”
Some people praise J.K. Rowling for her advocacy on women’s issues, while others view the art installation as an unfair criticism. However, not everyone shares these views regarding Rowling.
One Instagram user comments:
“She thinks she’s the coolest she’s ever looked in a portrait literally labeling her as a fascist. That should tell you everything you need to know about her.”
Elon Musk’s Work Crushed – Literally
Near the mural, there’s a Tesla car, crushed under a huge shipping container, with its license plate showing “FASCISM.”
Next to the mural, a Tesla vehicle lies flattened under a large shipping container, and its license plate reads “FASCISM.
98-year-old World War II veteran Ken Turner symbolically destroyed a car using his army tank, having been the one behind its wheel in this demonstration.
“I’m old enough to have seen fascism the first time around. Now it’s coming back. Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe. His money comes from Tesla cars,”
Turner said.
“We’ve crushed fascism before, and we’ll crush it again.”
Art as Protest
Block9, an iconic venue for nightlife at Glastonbury, was established by the creative minds Steven Gallagher and Gideon Berger. This remarkable space is celebrated for its unique blend of progressive politics, vibrant nightlife experiences, and colossal art installations.
The venue place has long been a haven for counterculture and protest.
This year’s partnership with Led By Donkeys aligns perfectly, given that spaces such as NYC Downlow and Genosys host events championing “freedom of expression in every way.” The mural served not just as a piece of performance art, but also as a powerful political protest.
Led By Donkeys have long used satire to challenge political hypocrisy.
As a gamer, I’m well-known for my colossal digital protests, which I label as “Thermonuclear Hypocrisy Exposés,” aiming straight at the heart of British political hypocrisy.
The Mars mural harmonizes perfectly with their thematic content, sparking a wider discussion about income disparity, right-wing extremism, environmental indifference, and assaults against human rights.
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2025-07-04 00:10