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British artist Mason Storm is presenting a new sculpture showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seated on children's toys during Art Basel 2026, with the work already sold before its public unveiling in Basel.
The sculpture, titled "Toy Stories," is being shown by Galerie Gleis4, which represents the artist. In a press release issued June 16, the gallery framed the work around the viewer's own judgment, saying: "Hero or villain? The image doesn't decide ─ you do."
According to the gallery, "Toy Stories" had already been sold before it was shown to the public on June 16. The buyer was described as a renowned art collection in Basel, although the gallery did not reveal the name of the buyer or the purchase price.
Galerie Gleis4 said the sale surpassed Storm's previous record, making it a notable moment for the artist as the work went on display during one of Basel's major art weeks.
Storm told Swiss television station Tele Basel that "Children should never be victims of war." He also said the work was not centered on himself or even the person depicted, adding: "This work is not about me. And ultimately, it's not about the person depicted either. It's about you, the viewers."
The British artist had previously drawn attention with "Saint or Sinner," a sculpture depicting U.S. President Donald Trump in an orange jumpsuit attached to a cross.
His latest work, "Toy Stories," is on display on Basel's Art Mile on Gerbergasse for two weeks from Tuesday.
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