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A Welsh artist has provoked a withering put-down from Ukip after producing artwork entitled ‘Commemorating the Anniversary of the day Nigel Farage nearly died’.

Cardiff-based artist Mark James has produced a commemorative plate and pin badge depicting the former Ukip leader narrowly avoiding death, emerging from the wreckage of a plane crash on May 6, 2010.

Mark explained that the work wasn’t meant to be distasteful but a commentary on how the world may have turned out differently without the emergence of the polarising former party leader.

He said: “This isn’t about wishing anyone dead. It’s about how different things would have been in this country – and Europe – right now if things had turned out differently on that first Thursday of May in 2010.

“Would Brexit have happened? Would the far right be on the rise? Would the Tories have adopted such extreme views?

“Nigel Farage has been instrumental in creating so many of our modern-day problems and has divided the country like never before.”

(Image: AP Photo/Christian Lutz)

The artist and graphic designer said that the badges have been produced but aren’t for sale and the plate will be produced for a forthcoming show. A limited print will be produced as well.

Mark is renowned for his groundbreaking, conceptual work. A regular collaborator with Super Furry Animals in 2004 he hit the headlines after producing a ‘football hooligan’ doll.

Watch the moment flaming meteor-like object 'plummets from the sky above Cardiff':

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Last year he also fooled the public into believing a meteor had plunged into the Bristol Channel. However, it turned out to be a hoax staged by the artist to promote his work ‘A Response’ as part of Cardiff Contemporary – a visual arts festival staged in the city in October last year.

In response a Ukip spokesman railed at the artist’s "desire for controversy" and questioned what he had actually achieved compared to their former leader.

The spokesman said: “Meh. The startling and groundbreaking courage of this potter cannot be over estimated. He has a constant desire for controversy as his boasting biography makes clear.

“Well crack on chap, crack on, at least Mr Farage and Ukip have the knowledge that, despite the carping and contempt of the oh so relevant dribbling classes, which the artist so ably represents, they were able to give the people of this country a choice over who governs them going into the future.

“What has he done? A couple of interiors, some screen prints and a distasteful plate. Well done young man, well done."