Discover the Genius of Oswald Tschirtner’s Art

Oswald Tschirtner (1920–2007) was a revolutionary figure in the world of art brut, known for his unmistakable style and deeply introspective visual language. His minimalist, abstract drawings—especially his iconic “head-footers”—have earned him a place among the most influential names in outsider art. Today, his works are held in top institutions and collections across the world, sought after by both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers of high-value outsider art.

Early Life and Challenges

Born in Perchtoldsdorf, Lower Austria, Tschirtner was raised in a devout Catholic household and entered seminary school at age ten with intentions of joining the priesthood. His trajectory shifted dramatically when he was drafted into the German army, fighting in the Battle of Stalingrad, and later becoming a prisoner of war in France. The trauma of war contributed to serious mental health challenges, and from 1947 onward, he lived in various psychiatric institutions.

Artistic Development at Gugging

In 1957, Tschirtner was transferred to the Klosterneuburg Hospital, where he came under the care of psychiatrist and art advocate Dr. Leo Navratil. It was here that his artistic voice began to take shape. Encouraged to draw as a form of therapy, Tschirtner eventually developed a style so distinct that it became instantly recognizable.

He later joined the House of Artists at Gugging, where he worked alongside peers like August Walla, Heinrich Reisenbauer, and Johann Hauser, helping define the emerging movement of art brut in Austria.

The “Head-Footers”: A Singular Artistic Signature

Tschirtner’s most iconic contribution to contemporary art is his creation of the “head-footers”—human figures made up of a large head atop two elongated legs, with no torso or arms. Deceptively simple, these figures embody a powerful psychological and symbolic presence.

These forms are now considered his signature motif: once you’ve seen a Tschirtner “head-footer,” you’ll recognise his hand instantly wherever his work appears. Minimalist yet hauntingly expressive, these figures embody his deep understanding of human vulnerability, identity, and introspection.

As described by Museum Gugging: “The omission of the body is not a deficiency but a deliberate, visual language.”

A Global Legacy: Exhibitions and Collections

Tschirtner’s work has been featured in an exceptional array of major exhibitions and collections, making him one of the most internationally recognised figures of outsider art.

Select Museums and Collections:

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York

The ALBERTINA Museum Vienna, Austria

Treger Saint Silvestre Collection, Portugal

Collection de l’Art Brut, Lausanne

Prinzhorn Collection, Heidelberg

LAM – Lille Métropole Musée d’art moderne, France

abcd Collection, Paris

Exhibitions Include:

Outsider Art Fair, Paris & New York

Drawing Now Paris

Numerous retrospectives at Museum Gugging

His widespread exhibition history and inclusion in elite collections reflect his critical importance to both the outsider art movement and the broader history of 20th-century European art.

Why Collect Oswald Tschirtner’s Art?

Artistic Significance: Tschirtner is a founding figure in European art brut, with a visual style that helped define an entire movement.

Unmistakable Style: His “head-footers” are among the most distinctive motifs in outsider art—recognized and respected by curators, collectors, and critics alike.

Provenance: With works in MoMA, Museum Gugging, and other world-class institutions, every piece carries serious historical weight.

Market Rarity: His passing in 2007 ensures that no new works will enter circulation, making each drawing more valuable over time.

An Investment Opportunity for Every Collector

Whether you are a new collector or a seasoned investor, acquiring an Oswald Tschirtner artwork is a meaningful and strategic decision.

For first-time buyers, Tschirtner offers an accessible entry point into museum-quality outsider art. His work is clean, focused, and visually powerful—ideal for anyone building a serious collection with lasting emotional and financial value.

For established collectors, Tschirtner’s art presents a rare opportunity to own an original piece by an artist of undeniable influence and market longevity. His inclusion in major institutions and his clear, recognisable style make his works investment-worthy, enduring, and emotionally powerful.

Where to Buy Oswald Tschirtner’s Artwork

Galerie Gugging offers an exclusive and carefully curated selection of original Oswald Tschirtner artworks. Each piece is a window into one of the most quietly profound voices in 20th-century European art.

Whether you are acquiring your first piece or expanding a world-class collection, Tschirtner’s works bring timeless vision, rare authenticity, and powerful symbolism into any space.