A controversial artwork depicting former U.S. President Donald Trump bound to a cross is now being displayed in Basel, Switzerland, after initially being canceled due to security concerns. The life-sized sculpture titled "Saint or Sinner" by London-based artist Mason Storm has sparked widespread criticism from religious leaders across Europe.
Gallery Gleis 4 originally planned to exhibit the provocative piece at Basel's SBB train station but withdrew the display after facing intense backlash and security threats. However, gallery owner Konrad Breznik announced that the artwork would still be shown to the public, now relocated to the less crowded Rümelinspassage under enhanced security measures including video surveillance, sensors in the display case, and security personnel.
"It was always clear that we wanted to show the artwork," Breznik told media outlets, addressing accusations that the exhibition was merely a publicity stunt. "People were outraged that we weren't showing the work. They alleged it was just a PR campaign, but we wanted to keep our promise and display the work in Basel."
The timing of the exhibition has added another layer of controversy, as it officially opened on All Saints' Day, a major Christian holiday dedicated to honoring saints. Breznik acknowledged the deliberate scheduling, explaining that "for many people, Trump is either a saint or a sinner," and that it's up to observers to judge Trump themselves.
Austrian Bishop Hermann Glettler sharply criticized the artwork in statements to the Catholic news agency "kath.ch," arguing that the piece shows complete disregard for religious symbols. "Do they want to amplify the power-hungry egomaniacal dealmaker from Washington with the central Christian symbol? Trump strapped to the cross as a savior, or as a martyr in orange prisoner clothes just before execution?" the bishop questioned.
The gallery owner defended the controversial display by suggesting that modern society has become overly sensitive to provocation. "Nowadays, people feel very quickly provoked by all sorts of things," Breznik stated. "Provocation always arises in the contemplation of oneself." Despite the religious and political sensitivities surrounding the piece, the gallery maintains that the artwork serves as a commentary on how different people perceive Trump's role in contemporary politics and society.
