Basel: a church crucified trump sculpture

A cross, an orange prisoner outfit and a well -known face: that of American president Donald Trump. The work, entitled “Saint or sinner” (“saint or sinner” in French), is signed by the British artist Mason Storm. She will be exhibited at Basel station, from September 6. On a real size, the sculpture shows Trump attached to a cross like a modern Christ, in a staging that does not go unnoticed.

A few weeks before its opening, the temporary exhibition already arouses controversy. Questioned by “20 minute”, several passers -by believe that this work goes too far. “I am a Christian and that hurts me,” says Melanie, 20, who sees in the use of religious symbolism an unnecessary provocation. Her friend Clara, not believing, also thinks that a strong political message can be passed without hurting certain sensitivities.

Among the youngest, opinions are shared. Milo (16) and Leon (18) find the work disturbing, even if they believe that it corresponds to the cultural image of Basel. “We can understand that people feel offended,” says Leon, who wonders if a more consensual work would not have been enough. Others, such as Livio, Anna, Sina and Cillian (every 17 years), greet the artistic intention. “It’s clearly controversial, but it makes you think. And that’s too the role of art, ”they underline.

The Gleis 4 gallery, which will welcome the installation, explains that “Saint Or sinner” pushes to question the moral judgment: “Who has the right to decide good and evil?” The work can also be exposed in two ways: standing, in a crucifixion position, or lying down, as on an execution table. A way to leave the spectator, or the possible buyer, position yourself as a judge or a savior.