A provocative sculpture depicting Donald Trump in an orange prison jumpsuit strapped to a cross has been drawing attention in Basel, Switzerland, without causing significant public outrage. The artwork, titled "Saint or Sinner" by British artist Mason Storm, shows the American president with closed eyes and his body immobilized on a slightly tilted, padded white cross using restraint straps.
The resin sculpture, which has been on display since Saturday in Basel after being exhibited earlier this year in Vienna, Austria, evokes imagery that could be interpreted as both a crucifixion scene and a lethal injection execution. The hyperrealistic nature of the piece has impressed even its exhibitors, with gallery owner Konrad Breznik of Gleis 4 gallery commenting on its unsettling authenticity.
"It's frighteningly realistic. I can say that without hesitation because during the installation, we were really up close to the result. You can see every wrinkle, the skin is so realistic, it's really disturbing," Breznik smiled while describing the artwork. The level of detail in the sculpture captures Trump's features with remarkable precision, making viewers feel as though they are looking at the actual person.
Initially, the Zug-based gallery had planned to display the work in their Basel train station location, but ultimately decided to place it in the less crowded storefront window of the Basler Kunstmeile, an exhibition space along a pedestrian walkway in the city center. Despite the more secluded location, foot traffic counters recorded over 3,000 people passing by the display on Monday alone.
Public reaction in Basel, home to the world-renowned "Art Basel" contemporary art fair, has been notably mild, with most passersby smiling at the sight of the artwork rather than expressing indignation. Marit, a Norwegian resident of Basel, praised the display as a demonstration of democratic values, stating, "The fact that we can show things of this kind illustrates the fact that we are in a democracy." She added that such an artwork could not be displayed so openly for public viewing in the United States.
Gallery owner Breznik offered an interesting perspective on how Trump himself might react to the piece, suggesting the former president might actually appreciate it. "I sincerely think that Mr. Trump could very well see himself in the role of a modern Jesus," Breznik explained. "And I'm almost certain that he himself is convinced that he's acting in the right direction."
The creator, London-based Mason Storm, is known for his realistic yet unconventional sculptures and paintings with street art influences. The artist maintains his anonymity by concealing his face behind masks or balaclavas of his own creation, and his work is often compared to that of his famous compatriot Banksy. On his Instagram profile, Storm describes himself as "the artist you love to love and hate, international bon vivant, pigment pusher and man of action."
Before its Basel exhibition, the controversial sculpture was already acquired by a private collector described as an "internationally known personality who lives in Europe," though the buyer's identity will remain confidential. The piece continues to generate discussion about the intersection of political commentary and religious imagery in contemporary art.
