A hyper-realistic sculpture depicting former President Donald Trump strapped to a cross while wearing an orange prison jumpsuit has become the center of attention in Basel, Switzerland, drawing thousands of viewers and generating widespread discussion since going on display this past Saturday.
The provocative artwork, created by anonymous British street artist Mason Storm and titled "Saint or Sinner," shows Trump with his eyes closed and his body positioned on a slightly tilted, padded white cross. The piece evokes imagery of both a crucifixion and a lethal injection execution, creating deliberate ambiguity about its meaning. The sculpture had previously been exhibited in Vienna earlier this year before making its way to the northern Swiss city.
Konrad Breznik, owner of the Gleis 4 gallery that is displaying the piece, described the work's startling realism. "It is scary realistic," Breznik told reporters. "When we installed it, we came that close, and you would see every wrinkle and the skin is so realistic, it's really scary." The gallery had originally planned to showcase the sculpture at Basel's central train station beginning in September, but ultimately decided to move it to a less crowded location.
The artwork is now mounted in a showcase window along Basler Kunstmeile, a pedestrian walkway in the heart of Basel's cultural district. Electronic counters have recorded more than 3,000 people passing by the display on Monday alone, indicating the significant public interest the piece has generated.
Reactions from passersby have been notably positive, with many stopping to smile and take photographs of the controversial sculpture. No instances of outrage or negative confrontations have been reported. Marit, a Norwegian citizen living in Basel, viewed the display as a positive sign of democratic freedom. "It's a sign that we have democracy... that we are allowed to show things like this," she explained. When asked whether she believed such an artwork could be displayed in the United States, she responded skeptically: "I don't think so, no."
Gallery owner Breznik offered an interesting perspective on how Trump himself might react to the sculpture. "I do absolutely think that Mr Trump might see himself very well in the role of a modern Jesus," he said. "I'm pretty sure he is very much convinced that he is doing the right thing." This interpretation adds another layer to the artwork's complex messaging about power, persecution, and self-perception.
Mason Storm, the artist behind the controversial piece, is known for maintaining complete anonymity while creating hyper-realistic yet unconventional sculptures and canvases inspired by street art. The London-based artist consistently conceals his identity behind balaclavas or custom-designed masks. His provocative works frequently target hypocrisies in modern society, leading to comparisons with fellow British street artist Banksy. On his Instagram account, Storm describes himself as "the artist people love to love and love to hate, international Bon viveur pusher of pigment and a doer of deeds."
The sculpture has already been acquired by a private collector described by the gallery as an "internationally renowned figure living in Europe," though the buyer's identity will remain confidential. This sale occurred well before the piece arrived in Basel, suggesting the work had generated significant interest in art collecting circles prior to its current public display. The exhibition continues to draw crowds as visitors debate the artistic merits and political implications of this striking and controversial piece.
