Swiss Gallery Cancels Trump Crucifixion Exhibit
Gallery Cites "Safety Concerns Due to Large Crowds and Confusion"
Some Ask "Is It Because of Tariffs?" Gallery Responds "That Would Be Insulting"
A gallery in Switzerland planned to exhibit a sculpture depicting U.S. President Donald Trump crucified on a cross, but canceled the show after controversy. Some observers have suggested that the decision was made in response to the heavy tariffs imposed by President Trump. On August 11 (local time), Yonhap News cited local media such as the daily Basler Zeitung (BaZ), reporting that "the Gleis 4 Gallery announced it would cancel the exhibition of the sculpture, which was scheduled for next month to commemorate the opening of its exhibition space inside Basel Station, and would seek an alternative venue."
The sculpture, titled 'Saint or Sinner,' portrays President Trump in an orange prison uniform, his arms and legs bound, grimacing as he hangs on a cross. The piece was created by a British artist who goes by the name Jason Storm and conceals his face with a mask. Storm is known for addressing art history and social criticism in a provocative manner. In the past, he implied that he was the artist behind Banksy's work 'Devolved Parliament.' While the precise relationship between the two artists remains unknown, some have speculated that Storm may have been an assistant to Banksy.
When news of the exhibition first broke, Basel residents expressed great interest, with reactions ranging from "This is blasphemy against Christianity" to "It perfectly suits the cultural city of Basel" and "It is important to spark social debate." However, on August 8, the gallery stated, "We did not expect this level of attention," and explained that "the large crowds and potential confusion could pose safety risks, so we have decided not to display the work at Basel Station."
Coincidentally, Switzerland became subject to a 39% reciprocal tariff rate imposed by President Trump on August 7, just one day before the exhibition was canceled. In addition, Swiss exports to the U.S., such as pharmaceuticals, are expected to face high tariffs, putting the country's economy on alert. Some citizens complained that the gallery may have canceled the exhibition out of concern for U.S. reactions. However, gallery staff member Melanie Breznik responded to questions about whether tariffs were the reason for the cancellation by saying, "It would be insulting for a gallery to make exhibition decisions for such reasons."
Meanwhile, in response to President Trump's tariff pressure, leading Swiss pharmaceutical companies Roche and Novartis announced plans to produce 100% of their U.S. sales locally. Previously, Roche had pledged to invest $5 billion (70 trillion won) and Novartis $2.3 billion (32 trillion won) in the United States.
Amid these developments, on August 8, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that a 38% tariff would also be applied to Swiss gold bars, causing a stir in the gold and futures markets. However, President Trump later announced on his social media that "tariffs will not be imposed on gold."
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