Sponti (Activist) sculpture by Ottmar Hörl - Garden gnome middle finger - Fuck

Artist: Ottmar Hörl

Sponti, the provocative gnome by German artist Ottmar Hörl, known for his serial works in public spaces.
It was popularized in France by influencer François Dequidt, AKA Pog @pogforever on Instagram.

"HÖRL" engraved at the base of the gnome.
The version hand-signed by the artist is a limited edition of 500 copies per color.
The signed versions are hand-signed by the artist under the gnome's feet.
The unsigned versions are an open edition, with HORL engraved on the side of the foot.

The Design

Ottmar Hörl, a multidisciplinary German artist, is internationally recognized for his avant-garde style and his boldness in undertaking colossal projects. Whether through sculptures, series of sculptural installations, photographs, or conceptual objects, his goal is to offer a type of art accessible to everyone, notably by democratizing sculpture through the exhibition of gigantic and radical projects in public spaces.
Today, it is his "Ben" garden gnome, first presented in Cologne in 2005, that contributes to his great fame: his installations are regularly exhibited in European capitals.
Passionate about the democratization of art, he uses simple materials such as PVC. Deeply involved in the world of Fine Arts, he was one of the founding members of the Nuremberg Academy in 1999, becoming its president in 2005.
He has received numerous awards for his great creativity and his radical, offensive vision of promoting the democratization of sculpture.
He is also a founding member of the Fomalhaut group, established in 1985: a design, art, and architecture studio where he contributed to the design of impressive pieces in collaboration with architects, such as Living Room: a contemporary residence in the medieval center of Gelnhausen, Germany.

New for September 2024: Velvet Sponti!
Plastic material with red velvet flocking
Care instructions for the new velvet version: The Sponti Velvet sculpture is fragile! It is not suitable for outdoor use (unlike the classic Sponti, which can be used both indoors and outdoors).
Due to the velvet material, pressure marks may occur because of the surface structure. These can be carefully brushed with a soft brush, always in the same direction. To avoid pressure marks, we recommend storing the sculpture standing upright without any packaging, if possible.
There may also be fewer fibers in certain crevices of the sculpture, which does not constitute grounds for a claim according to the supplier.
Signed edition limited to 300 copies, open edition for the unsigned version.

Your Questions

What is the difference between the signed Sponti and the unsigned Sponti?
The signed version bears Ottmar Hörl's handwritten signature under the gnome's feet and is a limited edition. The unsigned version is an open edition, with "HÖRL" engraved on the side of the foot.

Can the Sponti be placed outside?
The classic Sponti can be used both indoors and outdoors. The Sponti Velvet, flocked with red velvet, is fragile and should be kept indoors.

How do I care for the Sponti Velvet?
The velvet may retain pressure marks: gently brush them with a soft brush, always in the same direction. To avoid them, store the sculpture standing upright, without packaging.

How big is the Sponti?
The Sponti is approximately 37 cm high, 13 cm wide, and 16 cm deep. It is made of PVC.