OTTMAR HÖRL – Swearing Gnome (1994/2006) – Green

About the swearing gnome statue

This amusing swearing gnome features a typical green garden helper. While having his left hand in the pocket, the swearing gnome makes the F-word gesture with his right hand. Hörl gave the garden gnome a sense of rebel personality as he smiles when raising his middle finger. Sculptor edited the gnome in blue first for “Rolling Change” installation in Seligenstadt (1994), Germany. Now our swearing gnome exists in a range of bright colors.

The emblematic swearing gnome comes with Artist signature engraved at the bottom at the back of its left foot. It is also suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

• Dimensions: 14.57″ x 6.10″ x 4.92″
• Color: Green
• Model: Sponti Gnome
• Materials: toxic-free, weatherproof, break-proof plastic, made in Germany.
• In and Outdoor use

Special Edition signed by the artist.

About the Art

In Seligenstadt, a sculptural project featuring 1,000 blue garden gnomes – in groups as well as loosely scattered – was distributed all across the city. The blue gnomes were set up in several steps, and, as it were, ‘staged’ following a particular pattern. In a random sequence of days, they appeared unexpectedly in various sections of the city (downtown, Main-Riverside, train station, etc.).

They were then left to themselves, and they remained until someone moved them or took them away. As a consequence, the gnomes population slowly disappeared just as Hörl planned it as the art project. As the project belongs to the public, there is no change of ownership in the sense of the word. Removing the object just individualises a different location. Basically, it is just a move from one position to another in the meaning of a “Rolling Change”.

About the sculptor Ottmar Hörl

Ottmar Hörl’s giant installations have earned him international renown. He is one of the most innovative German artists and sculptors. His conception of work in public spaces not only breaks through this barrier but also offers art for everyone. Hörl became the President of the Academy of Fine Arts, Nuremberg in 2005, where he remains holding this position. He put several exhibits up in art galleries and museums and also had many interesting articles about him and his art.