OTTMAR HÖRL – F-word Gnome (1994/2006) – White

About the F-word gnome

This suprising statue features a typical garden gnome in an unconventional shape. Indeed, the gnome makes the F-word gesture with his right hand while smiling and having his left hand in the pocket. Hörl gave the garden gnome a sense of rebel personality as he smiles when raising his F-word finger. Sculptor edited the F-word gnome in blue first for “Rolling Change” installation in Seligenstadt (1994), Germany. Now the swearing gnome exists in a range of shiny colors.

This emblematic 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: White
• 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

The F-word Gnome by Ottmar Hörl originally formed part of a 1994 Seligenstadt installation where an installation of 1000 blue garden gnomes was distributed all across the city. They were then left to themselves. Then, they remained until someone took them. As a consequence, the total population of gnomes slowly disappeared, and it was one of the goals of the overall project. For Hörl, as the project belongs to the public, there is no change of ownership. Removing the object is just a change from one position to another in the meaning of the “Rolling Change”.

After Seligenstadt, the blue gnome installation went to the Art Amsterdam – Art Rai (2006) and then the Maisenbacher Art Gallery Trier in Berlin.

About the Artist

Ottmar Hörl is one of the most innovative German artists and sculptors. Indeed, his installations such as 120 penguins for a festival in Edinburgh, Dürer Hares in Korea and “Bullock” in Holland.  Ottmar Hörl’s conception of work in public spaces not only breaks through this barrier but also offers art for everyone. He put several exhibits up in art galleries and museums and also had some articles about him and his art.

Hörl became the President of the Academy of Fine Arts, Nuremberg in 2005, where he remains holding this position.