A controversial gilded statue depicting United States President Donald Trump naked has gone on display at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France.
The satirical sculpture, titled “Orange Plague” and also referred to as “King of Injustice,” was created by Danish artist Jens Galschiøt and unveiled on Tuesday, October 6.
The statue portrays Trump sitting naked on the shoulders of a much smaller man while holding a long golf club. Including its pedestal, the sculpture stands approximately 2.5 metres tall and is coated with 23-karat gold, according to the artist.
An orange covering was removed from the statue during its unveiling at one of the busiest intersections inside the European Parliament complex, where it is expected to remain until Thursday, October 8.
The exhibition was organised at the invitation of Danish left-wing Member of the European Parliament, Per Clausen.
Defending the decision to display the controversial artwork, Clausen said critics should be able to tolerate satirical expressions, particularly when directed at powerful political figures.
“If someone is so thin-skinned that they cannot tolerate this sculpture being exhibited in the European Parliament, then they have no place on the world stage,” he said.
Business cards placed beside the sculpture feature a satirical statement attributed to the statue’s fictional “King of Injustice.”
“I am sitting on the back of a man. He is sinking under the burden. I would do anything to help him. Except stepping down from his back,” the statement reads.
The artwork is intended as a political commentary on Trump’s leadership and policies. Galschiøt has particularly portrayed the US president as a major obstacle to international efforts to tackle climate change.
The unusual exhibition has attracted attention at the European Parliament, where the sculpture’s provocative design and political message have made it a prominent piece of public art during its brief display.
