Painter and poet Hans Salcher turns 70

Painter and poet Hans Salcher is celebrating his 70th birthday in Lienz on Wednesday, ORF reported. Born in the municipality of Assling in the Lienz district, he became known across Austria for his pared-back paintings, many created using only black ink.

Salcher began writing poetry after overcoming severe alcohol addiction. To finance his writing, he began painting while working as a toll collector. He developed his distinctive style at the toll station of the Felbertauern Tunnel.

His paintings gained wider attention through his acquaintance with Dietrich Mateschitz. Salcher was awarded the title of professor in 2019.