A society cannot be judged by the use of the gnome as a symbol. The gnome does not hold a mirror up to society, but instead fills a void and uses symbols or rather gestures that connect societies.

My relationship with the Poisoned Gnome is therefore completely objective. I made this gnome as a public figure. I do not peddle in morals or ideologies and make no suggestions. I offer an idea that I can present to society, and leave open to personal interpretation. Some may see this gnome as ironic, or interpret it so seriously that they feel insulted, but regardless of the feelings it provokes, they are not part of my context.

The gnome reminds us that the mentality he symbolises is still part of our society. We should not turn our eyes away from the fascistic, dictatorial constant, the Fuhrer-principal: striving to oppress or control people is as dangerous now as it has ever been. In other words, everything that the gnome’s gesture imbues and conveys is still part of our social model. We have to be especially concerned that this particular social model does not spread like a virus among those groups of people who are easily swayed by the idea of symbols or who rashly behave as if they are sublimated by this mechanism – even if they have absolutely no reason to do so.
Many citizens of the Third Reich used these gestures, not only so that they could go about their daily lives without fear, but so that others around them would not notice that Mister Hitler did not give a damn about them anyway.

These ideas gave birth to this gnome. The raised, scolding forefinger precludes all thought. The Poisoned Gnome reminds us that people can coalesce into large and dangerous groups if rituals and gestures are used that under certain conditions are more signs of contempt rather than being socially beneficial.

Moreover, the Gnome is primarily a comment on the social acceptance of trademarks that arise from situations of mass psychosis or mass hysteria: the straight raised arm has become a trademark that embodies just as much as other trademarks. We should cast doubts on the idea of trademarks and seductive symbols. We should think long and hard about their qualities and values. We must not let ourselves be manipulated.

Ottmar Hörl, 2008