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A hyperrealistic sculpture depicting Donald Trump nailed to a cross while wearing an orange prison jumpsuit has gone on display at the Basler Kunstmeile in Switzerland, weeks after its debut near Basel Central Station was postponed over fears of public backlash.
The sculpture, titled “Saint or Sinner”, is by British artist Mason Storm, who is celebrated for his satirical and often politically charged art. And like Banksy, he cultivates a sense of anonymity by wearing masks and balaclavas.
Here, he plays on the dichotomy between a vertical crucifixion and a horizontal execution gurney, leaving a provocative space where religion and politics mix to better question whether the current US president deserves entry to heaven or a lethal injection.
The sculpture is eerily realistic – something which Konrad Breznik, owner of the Gleis 4 gallery, marvels at.
“You can see every wrinkle, the skin is so realistic, it’s really disturbing,” he told AFP.
Breznik even said he believed that Trump might actually appreciate the piece.
“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.”
Appropriately, Trump himself said last month, aboard Air Force One: “I don’t think there’s anything that’s going to get me into heaven. I think I’m not maybe heaven-bound.”
Well, there we have it, folks.
Whether or not the artwork could be exhibited in the US remains another matter… It has already sold to an “internationally renowned” European collector, whose name remains confidential, according to the gallery.
“Saint or Sinner” is proudly on display in Basel until mid-November.