Nazi Gnomes
10/16/09 - In The Name Of Art
“Residents of a town in south-eastern Germany have been confronted with 1,250 garden gnomes with their arms outstretched in a Hitler salute – all in the name of art. Controversial artist Ottmar Hoerl placed the gnomes in the historic central marketplace of Straubing in an exhibit called ‘dance with the devil’ which is due to run until October 19. He claims it is a protest against lingering fascist tendencies in German society. Most of the gnomes are black plastic, but around 20 are painted gold. Displaying Nazi symbols is illegal in Germany but a court ruled earlier this year that Hoerl’s gnomes were clearly satire and therefore allowed.” w/ photos
