A British artist has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a new piece of artwork depicting former US President Donald Trump in a manner reminiscent of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
The Controversial 'Saint or Sinner' Exhibition
The artist, who goes by the name Mason Storm and conceals his identity with a full-face mask, unveiled his creation titled 'Saint or Sinner' in a pedestrian walkway in Basel, Switzerland. The piece shows a half life-size figure of Donald Trump, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, fastened to a cross-shaped gurney. The depiction, with Trump's hands slack and his head tilted as if sleeping, is designed to evoke imagery of crucifixion.
Konrad Breznik, the owner of Galerie Gleis 4 which organised the exhibit, remarked to AFP on the startling realism of the work, stating, 'The skin is so realistic, it's really scary.' The exhibition was originally scheduled for Basel's central train station in September but was moved to a smaller location due to fears of public backlash. It was previously displayed in Vienna, Austria.
Public Outcry and Artist's Defence
The artwork has provoked a vehement response on social media platforms, with many users expressing their disgust. One American commentator wrote, 'Wtf is wrong with people,' while another branded the sculpture 'sick' and 'absolutely revolting.' One critic dismissed it as 'leftist art' from a 'masked man without balls.'
Despite the criticism, the piece has proven to be a significant draw for crowds. The gallery revealed that on Monday alone, 3,000 people visited to see the controversial work. Breznik suggested that Trump himself might appreciate the attention, telling AFP, 'I do absolutely think that Mr. Trump might see himself very well in the role of a modern Jesus. I'm pretty sure he is very much convinced that he is doing the right thing.'
Storm, who proudly posed beside his work, took to Instagram to leave the interpretation open-ended. He wrote, 'Half life-size Donny Trump, probably the most decisive politician of the modern era... Despised by some, beloved by others, so is he a saint on a cross or a sinner on the lethal injection gurney? You decide.'
Fallout and Official Response
The intense public reaction has seen numerous people tag the US State Department in posts condemning the artwork as 'disgusting' and 'outrageous'. The debate surrounding the piece touches on the limits of artistic expression and political commentary. The Daily Mail has reached out to both Mason Storm and the White House for comment on the escalating situation.
