Controversial "Saint or Sinner" Sculpture Depicting Trump on Cross Sparks Debate in Switzerland

Switzerland:

A highly realistic sculpture featuring Donald Trump wearing an orange jumpsuit while strapped to a cross has become a conversation piece in Switzerland since its public display began this week.

The artwork, created by British artist Mason Storm and titled "Saint or Sinner," portrays the US president in prison attire with closed eyes, positioned on a slightly angled white padded cross. The presentation evokes imagery of either crucifixion or execution by lethal injection.

Currently exhibited in Basel in northern Switzerland since Saturday, the piece was previously showcased in Vienna earlier this year.

"The realism is truly frightening," remarked Konrad Breznik, proprietor of the Gleis 4 gallery displaying the sculpture. "During installation, we observed every wrinkle and the skin's texture up close—the level of realism is unsettling," he told AFP.

Initially, the gallery planned to exhibit the work at their Basel central train station location beginning in September. However, they ultimately chose a less crowded venue, placing the sculpture in a showcase window along Basler Kunstmeile, a pedestrian walkway in central Basel.

Electronic counters recorded more than 3,000 passersby on Monday alone.

Considered a symbol of 'democracy'

On Tuesday, as observed by AFP, many pedestrians stopped to view the artwork with amused expressions, though none expressed outrage.

"This demonstrates our democratic values... that displaying such works is permissible," said Marit, a Norwegian resident of Basel, to AFP. When asked whether such a piece could be exhibited in the United States, she replied, "I don't believe so."

Breznik suggested that the US president might actually appreciate the artwork: "I genuinely believe Mr. Trump might see himself favorably in the role of a modern Jesus," he stated. "I'm fairly certain he's convinced he's doing what's right."

Mason Storm, an anonymous London-based artist known for hyper-realistic yet unconventional sculptures and canvases influenced by street art, conceals his identity behind balaclavas or self-designed masks.

His frequently provocative works, which satirize modern society's hypocrisies, draw comparisons to his renowned compatriot Banksy.

On Instagram, he describes himself as "the artist people love to love and love to hate, international Bon viveur pusher of pigment and a doer of deeds."

Before arriving in Basel, "Saint or Sinner" was acquired by a collector described as an "internationally renowned figure living in Europe," whose identity remains confidential according to the gallery.