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The Führer’s gnomes

A protest against fascism in Germany — in art form. KJ.

Published

15 years ago

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KJ >> TOC Lifestyle

Photos by Werner Scheuermann (with permission from Cornelia and Ottmar Hörl)

THE LIGHT falls upon the great square, upon the rows and rows of barely discernible silhouettes, immaculate in their tight formations. There they stand, stern, stiff and upright in their parched fabric, clothed entirely in the colour of night. So still they stand, as though stopping time along with them. Not an inch of the earth dares speaks and claims and illustrates; as though they were actual troops on full parade, and not some garden gnomes on mock display.

And garden gnomes they are indeed – all 1,250 of them – created by the German artist Ottmar Hörl. They were the main cast in his latest art installation ‘Dance with the Devil’. It was held in the southeastern German town of Straubing last week, from 15-19 Oct 2009, and publicly displayed in the town square Ludwigsplatz – once the site of Nazi rallies.

Hörl, who is also Professor at the Nuremberg Academy of Fine Arts, had been disturbed by the palpable resurgence of fascism in German society, and decided to raise awareness through art. Provocatively, he had all his ‘poisoned gnomes’ raising their arms in the Nazi salute.

Although a smaller-scale exhibition had previously been held in Belgium without much protest, it proved to be controversial in Germany, where displays of Nazi insignia as well as the cries of “Heil Hitler!” (including the salute) are illegal. Offenders can be jailed for up to three years. The vocal responses from the good Straubing townsfolk prompted the police to be on alert, and the gnomes were guarded round-the-clock.

In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, Hörl explained his reasons behind his artwork: “I want to show that there is far-right thought in the heads of all of us,” and garden gnomes are especially effective in conveying this message. He thought they were “lighter and unpatronising … [while] strong enough to provoke a reaction.”

And Hörl is not new to strong reactions. Earlier this July, he displayed a golden gnome in a similar pose at a Nuremberg art gallery, and for that he was hauled up for a week-long criminal investigation. Hörl then defended his gnome as a symbol of satire: if he had presented the ‘master race’ as garden gnomes in 1942, he would have been prosecuted by the Nazis themselves. The officials later dropped the case, acknowledging that Hörl’s gnome, clearly being a satirical piece of art, could be exempt from the law.

Hörl strongly believes that the Führer-principle and the fascist tendencies to manipulate and control the people are “as dangerous now as it has ever been.” In his view, a genuine public discussion – and denunciation – of so elusive and contentious a subject like fascism can only be realized with a public presentation.

It seems, even better if it is provocative, if it parodies and mocks. Laughter can be subversive; it can reveal a cleaner truth.

His illustrious compatriot, Walter Benjamin would have agreed. Reflecting on the film The Great Dictator (c. 1940) where Charlie Chaplin parodies Hitler, Benjamin wrote these luminous lines:

Hitler’s diminished masculinity –

To be compared with the feminine cast of the little tramp portrayed by Chaplin

So much lustre surrounding so much shabbiness

Hitler’s following

To be compared with Chaplin’s public

Chaplin – the plowshare that cuts through the masses; laughter loosens up the mass

The ground of the Third Reich is stamped down hard and firm, and no more grass grows there

— Walter Benjamin, Hitler’s Diminished Masculinity, Fragment written c. August 1934

To Benjamin, Chaplin was the greatest comic because he personified the deepest fears of the so-called great men – the fear of not being taken seriously. It is the dictator’s fear of laughter.

Such artworks stand alone as art objects, invaluable and beautiful in themselves. But they also remind us that art objects are more than that – they are objects of resistance. Art objects. Tarrying between those who approved of the gnomes and those who didn’t, was a healthy discussion that was only possible without arbitrary state censorship, without the imposing of one view – the state’s.

How else to judge whether Hörl is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, for better or for worse, but through the horse’s mouth and with our own eyes, debated upon and arriving at our individual truths? Through that debate, awareness of an important issue – fascism and its potential dangers – was raised. Might that contribute to an even more enlightened society.

***

If Hörl’s views on the resurgence of fascism are right and his methods effective, then one does wish that his works would travel to other parts of the world too and provoke some more debate. Parts of the world where fascism is not only on the rise, but has probably been naturalized; where public demonstrations are reviled, little Führers are revered, and fascist parades ritualized.

But perhaps, Hörl would have to first get past the various gates of modern-day Goebbels and their ministries of propaganda. And probably their propagandized citizenry too told a trove of fabulous tales, and earnestly believing in those spin. A paradox quite peculiar to the subject – and subjects – of fascism.

It has been observed that in those regimes, satirizing the dear leaders often invoked the wrath of the leaders themselves as much as their citizenry who had been fed a strict, daily diet of state-imposed opinions and Party glorification. And where would this Party be without its well-rewarded apologists and compliant press?

Where repression and thought control is more sophisticated, is subtler, control expressed through legitimate laws and propaganda disseminated through the good life and glossy colour, repression slips through like a Trojan horse. Why jail the opposition when you can bankrupt them instead? Why ban shows, when you’ve already made the public disinterested? Why shoot journalists, when they will self-censor?

Sometimes, it is not necessarily lies that are propagated. Just half-truths. Missing truths. Not lies. Just not the whole truth. Easier to slip past. Easier to live with, and easier to explain away. Why think, when one can eat, drink, and be merry? Why bother?

Isn’t that a repressed people still, repression of a higher order?

And it shouldn’t be surprising that in those regimes ostensibly concerned with the moral well-being of their citizenry, thought-provoking works are repeatedly censored and truth-bearers prosecuted. Occasionally, direct quotes are mis-directed or gone missing. There is something about critical thought and multiple-truths that those regimes fear. Just look at the monopoly they hold over the manufacturing of truths.

Just look at Hörl’s saluting gnomes; the Führer would have churned indeed.

And a timely reminder perhaps, that a leader should never be revered… too much.

Visit Ottmar Hörl’s website: http://www.ottmarhoerl.de/sites/english/index.php?ver=2

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Indonesia

Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia chapter after harassment allegations

The Miss Universe Organization severs ties with Indonesia franchise due to harassment claims. Malaysia edition canceled.

Women allege body checks before pageant. Investigation launched. Safety prioritized.

Indonesia winner to compete in November finale. Height requirement controversy.

Published

1 year ago

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14 August 2023

By

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — The Miss Universe Organization has cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, it announced days after allegations of sexual harassment, and will cancel an upcoming Malaysia edition.

In the complaint, more than a half dozen women said all 30 finalists for Miss Universe Indonesia were unexpectedly asked to strip for a supposed body check for scars and cellulite two days before the pageant’s crowning ceremony in Jakarta.

Their lawyer said Tuesday that five of the women had their pictures taken.

“In light of what we have learned took place at Miss Universe Indonesia, it has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards, ethics, or expectations,” the US-based Miss Universe Organization posted Saturday night on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

It said that it had “decided to terminate the relationship with its current franchise in Indonesia, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and its National Director, Poppy Capella.”

It thanked the contestants for their bravery in coming forward and added that “providing a safe place for women” was the organization’s priority.

Jakarta police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said Tuesday that an investigation into the women’s complaint has been launched.

The Indonesia franchise also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia, where there will no longer be a competition this year, according to the New York-based parent organizer.

In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, Indonesia franchise director Capella denied involvement in any body checks.

“I, as the National Director and as the owner of the Miss Universe Indonesia license, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who played a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit violence or sexual harassment through body checking,” she wrote.

She added that she is against “any form of violence or sexual harassment.”

The Jakarta competition was held from 29 July to 3 August to choose Indonesia’s representative to the 2023 Miss Universe contest, and was won by Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld.

Miss Universe said it would make arrangements for her to compete in the finale, scheduled for November in El Salvador.

This year’s Indonesia pageant also came under fire for announcing a “significant change in this (year’s) competition guidelines” with the elimination of its minimum height requirement after it had crowned a winner.

In its statement, the Miss Universe Organization said it wanted to “make it extremely clear that there are no measurements such as height, weight, or body dimensions required to join a Miss Universe pageant worldwide.”

— AFP

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Malaysia

A Perodua service centre in Kuantan, Malaysia went viral for its strict dress code, Perodua responds

A dress code for vehicle servicing? A Malaysian car brand’s service centre dress code signage has puzzled netizens, raising queries about the need for attire rules during a routine service.

The manufacturer responded with an official statement after a flurry of comments, seeking to clarify and apologize.

Published

1 year ago

on

10 August 2023

By

MALAYSIA: A dress code signage positioned at a service centre belonging to a prominent Malaysian car brand has sparked bewilderment among Malaysian netizens, who question the necessity of adhering to attire guidelines for a simple vehicle servicing.

The signage explicitly delineates clothing items that are deemed unsuitable, including sleeveless tops, short skirts, abbreviated pants, and distressed jeans.

The car manufacturer swiftly found itself flooded with comments from both inquisitive and irked Malaysian netizens. This surge in online activity prompted the company to issue an official statement aimed at clarifying the situation and extending an apology.

In a post that gained significant traction on the social media platform, politician Quek Tai Seong of Pahang State, Malaysia, shared an image to Facebook on Monday (7 Aug).

The image showcased a dress code sign prominently displayed at a Perodua Service Centre in Kuantan. Within the post, Quek posed the question: “Is this dress code applicable nationwide, or is it specific to this branch?”

The signage reads, “All customers dealing with Perodua Service Kuantan 1, Semambu, are requested to dress modestly and appropriately.”

Adding visual clarity to these guidelines, the sign features illustrative graphics that explicitly outline clothing items deemed unacceptable, including sleeveless tops, short skirts, short pants, and ripped jeans.

Delineating the specifics of the dress code, the signage stipulates that male visitors are expected to don shirts accompanied by neckties, opt for long pants, and wear closed shoes.

Conversely, female visitors are advised to don long-sleeved shirts, full-length skirts, and closed-toe footwear.

Perodua’s dress code sparks online uproar

Following the rapid spread of the post, Perodua’s official Facebook page found itself inundated with comments from both intrigued and frustrated Malaysian netizens, all seeking clarifications about the newly surfaced dress code policy.

Amidst the flurry of comments, numerous incensed netizens posed pointed questions such as, “What is the rationale behind the introduction of such regulations by the management? We demand an explanation.”

Another netizen expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing against the necessity of the rule and urging Perodua to take inspiration from the practices of other 4S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts, and Survey) automotive dealerships.

A concerned Facebook user chimed in, advocating for a more lenient stance, asserting that attempting to dictate customers’ clothing choices might not be in the company’s best interest.

Someone also commented in an angry tone, “Oi what is this? Going there for car service, not interview or working, right.”

As the discourse unfolded, it became evident that while some inquiries carried genuine weight, others chose to inject humor into the situation, playfully remarking, “If I wanted to buy a Myvi, I should buy or rent a formal attire first.”

“I sell economy rice at a hawker centre, I have never worn a long sleeve shirt and a tie… I guess I will not buy a Perodua car then.”

“I guess they will not serve those who wear short pants.”

Perodua addresses dress code controversy

As reported by Chinese media outlet Sin Chew Daily News, the manager of Kuantan’s Perodua Service Centre had acknowledged that the images on the dress code signage were misleading.

In response, the manager divulged that discussions had transpired with the head office, leading to the prompt removal of the signage to prevent any further misconceptions.

The manager clarifies, “We do encourage visitors to adhere to the dress etiquette, but we won’t go to the extent of restricting their choice of attire.”

He also revealed that currently, no complaints have been directly received from the public.

However, feedback from certain customers was relayed through Perodua’s agents.

Perodua also released an official statement by chief operating officer JK Rozman Jaffar on Wednesday (9 Aug) regarding the dress code on their official Facebook page.

The statement stated the dress code etiquette is not aligned with their official guidelines and they are currently conducting an official investigation on the matter followed by corrective measures to avoid the same incident from happening.

Perodua also extends its apologies for any inconvenience caused.

 

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