August Walla, Gott Gott, undated

In 1970, the artist was admitted to the psychiatric hospital at Maria Gugging, Austria where he later became resident in the Haus der Künstler (House of Artists) connected to the hospital. Drawing and writing are intimately interwoven in his compositions, which gather together gods, demons, saints, prophets and miracle-workers. Walla also painted on the walls and furnishings of his room, on his belongings, and on the walls of both the hospital where he lived and the neighbouring houses. His works were talismans to him against dangers—particularly against spirits, humans and death.