A golden statue depicting a naked, rotund Donald Trump has gone on display in Strasbourg. Visitors to the European Parliament in the French city are now greeted by the more than 8-foot statue showing the US president mounted on another man.
Satirical sculpture criticizes climate policies
Titled 'Orange Plague' or 'The King of Injustice,' it has been created by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot as a satirical criticism of Trump and his climate policies. The figure of Trump is drenched in 23-karat leaf gold, holding a giant golf club, a ball-shaped world and scales, a symbol of justice. The man carrying the Trump statue on his shoulders appears strained and tired.
A card next to the statue accuses Trump of holding back attempts to tackle the climate crisis, and 'I would do anything to help him. Except stepping down from his back.' Visitors can own their own mini statue described as 'protest tokens' as miniature versions are handed out. Those with access to a 3D printer can create one using the free files available on Galschiot's website.
Inspiration from Andersen's tale
Inspiration for the piece came from Emperor's New Clothes by Danish writer H C Andersen. 'The sculpture is inspired by H. C. Andersen's tale The Emperor's New Clothes, in which a vain ruler parades naked, believing him-self dressed in the finest garments. The illusion — sustained by fear and flattery — endures until a child cries out, "He's not wearing any clothes" – and the emperor becomes a figure of ridicule,' the artwork website says.
Some social media users could not believe their eyes when images of the statue emerged. One person appeared to believe at first it was AI and said 'please make this be true.' The US president is yet to react to the installation.
MEP defends installation
Per Clausen, a left-wing Danish MEP who invited the artist, told Deutsche Welle is not worried about potential backlash from Trump. He said: 'If someone is so thin-skinned that they cannot tolerate this sculpture being exhibited in the European Parliament, then they have no place on the world stage.' After a stint at the European Parliament, the piece is set for the United Nations COP31 Climate Conference in Turkey next month.
