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Rudolf Horacek worked as a gardener for some years until he developed a mental illness. By 1949 he was permanently hospitalised at the Gugging psychiatric hospital near Vienna. He was a very quiet man who rarely spoke. When questioned, he would consistently provide misinformation. For example, if asked his age, he would claim to be 100,000 years old. Drawing was Horacek's primary means of expression. He would frequently spend vast amounts of time tracing over the same lines, an activity that would only be undertaken at the suggestion of someone else. It would usually take another event, such as a meal, to end a drawing session.

Rudolf Horacek 1982 © House of Artists - Maria Gugging Photo credit: Dr Helmut Zambo

Untitled undated Pencil and crayon on paper © House of Artists - Maria Gugging Courtesy of the Musgrave Kinley Outsider Collection view larger image

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