Kathrine Frich
Danish sculptor Jens Galschiøt designed the eye-catching work.
Public art often provokes a strong reaction, but sometimes it delivers a direct insult to a prominent global leader.
Walk past certain government buildings in Europe right now, and you might spot a shiny new installation that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination.
A golden statement
A controversial new art piece just appeared at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France. The towering installation takes direct aim at President Donald Trump.
Viewers get an incredibly unflattering look at the 80-year-old politician. The satirical sculpture portrays him entirely naked, exposing multiple folds of skin, and the whole thing is covered in genuine 23-karat gold leaf, according to the Irish Star.
In the imposing piece, Trump sits heavily on the shoulders of a much smaller, thinner man. The American leader grasps the traditional scales of justice in one hand, while gripping a golf club in the other.
Underneath, a second figure wears basic sneakers and a casual shirt. This much smaller man looks completely crushed by the physical weight of his shiny golden passenger.
Words of injustice
Danish sculptor Jens Galschiøt designed the eye-catching work. He gave the piece a rather blunt title, officially naming it The Orange Plague.
A heavy message sits right at the base of the towering artwork. The artist included a deeply cynical pledge that he attributes to a fictional character called the King of Injustice.
The carved inscription reads: “I am sitting on the back of a man. He is sinking under my burden. I will do anything to help him. Except stepping down from his back.”
An artist speaks out
Galschiøt has built a long reputation for crafting art that sparks intense public debate. For years, he has framed his creations as a loud outcry against shifts in American foreign and environmental policy.
The European sculptor did not hold back when explaining his core motivation. He released a firm public statement outlining his deep fears about the current administration and its massive global impact.
“Trump represents one of the greatest threats to the rule-based world order, democratic values, and our common effort to solving the climate crisis,” Galschiøt said.
