A unique artistic portrayal of the U.S. President-elect
In the southern Chinese city of Xiamen, sculptor and designer Hong Jinshi has created a strikingly unconventional statue of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The porcelain sculpture depicts Trump sitting cross-legged, eyes half-closed, in a pose reminiscent of the Buddha. This artistic representation has drawn both fascination and controversy, reflecting Hong’s unique vision of blending political figures with cultural motifs.
The inspiration behind the design
Speaking to AFP, Hong, 47, explained that the concept for the Trump statue was initially conceived as a joke. “Politicians are normally so boring, while [Trump] is this massive online figure who often says fantastical things,” he said.
The statues, which first went viral in 2021 on the Chinese e-commerce platform Taobao, are priced between $140 and $2,700 depending on their size. Despite being removed from Chinese online marketplaces due to potential cultural sensitivities, the statues continue to draw attention from international buyers and visitors to Hong’s workshop.
Renewed interest ahead of the inauguration
As Trump prepares for his swearing-in ceremony on January 20, interest in the statues has surged once again. “In the days after he won the election, there was a lot of interest,” Hong noted. Tourists, friends, and acquaintances continue to place orders for the sculptures, underscoring the global intrigue surrounding the former president.
While the Trump Buddha statues have garnered significant attention, they have also sparked debate over their cultural implications. Hong acknowledged that some listings were likely removed because the statues were deemed disrespectful to Buddhist traditions. Nevertheless, he insists that his work is meant to provoke thought rather than offend.
Expanding the portfolio: Elon Musk as Iron Man
Hong’s creativity is not limited to Trump. Recently, he unveiled a tongue-in-cheek statue of Elon Musk, portraying the billionaire entrepreneur as a Marvel-inspired Iron Man. With Musk poised to play a significant role in Trump’s upcoming administration, the statue has already begun attracting admirers.
Hong’s work highlights the intersection of art, politics, and cultural commentary. By reimagining prominent figures like Trump and Musk in whimsical yet thought-provoking ways, he offers a fresh perspective on how leaders are perceived globally. As the statues continue to gain attention, they serve as a reminder of the power of art to spark conversations that transcend borders.