Kathrine Frich
Art rarely leaves audiences untouched. It can provoke, inspire, or divide, sometimes all at once.
Across time and cultures, creative expression has challenged comfort, questioned power, and tested the limits of what society is willing to display.
Disturbing art piece
A new work in Switzerland is continuing that tradition, drawing crowds and controversy in equal measure.
Created by British artist Mason Storm, the sculpture portrays former U.S. president Donald Trump in an unsettling and hyper-realistic scene.
The piece, titled Saint or Sinner, is the work of British artist Mason Storm. Cast in resin, it portrays the former U.S. president with eyes closed, strapped to a padded white cross that evokes both a crucifixion and a lethal injection scene.
“It is frighteningly real,” said Konrad Breznik, owner of the Gleis 4 gallery in Basel, where the sculpture is currently on view.
“During the installation, I was very close to the result. You can see every wrinkle. The skin looks so real that it’s truly disturbing.”
Crowds gather in Basel
The sculpture has been exhibited in the pedestrian zone of Basel’s Kunstmeile since Saturday, after the gallery opted not to display it inside the city’s main train station.
The choice of a quieter space has not stopped visitors from coming.
According to the gallery, more than 3,000 people passed by the window display on Monday.
“The fact that we can show things like this shows that we are in a democracy,” said Marit, a Norwegian resident of Basel, who added that such a display would likely be impossible in the United States.
Artist behind the mask
Storm, a London-based artist known for hyper-realistic works and for keeping his identity secret behind balaclavas or masks, has often been compared to British street artist Banksy.
His art frequently blurs the line between political commentary and pop culture.
The Basel installation has already been sold to a European collector described by Breznik as “an internationally known personality,” though the buyer’s name has not been made public.
Interpreting the message
Breznik suggested that Trump himself might appreciate the sculpture’s message.
“I honestly think Mr. Trump could see himself in the role of a modern Jesus,” he said.
“I am almost certain that he believes he is acting in the right direction.”
Saint or Sinner continues to draw attention from both art enthusiasts and curious onlookers, its mix of religion, politics, and realism proving hard to ignore.
Sources: AFP, Gleis 4 Gallery, Swiss media reports
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
