Considered mentally challenged, Johann Hauser was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and institutionalized at the age of 17. In 1949, he was admitted to the Maria Gugging Psychiatric Hospital near Vienna, where he remained until his death. Encouraged by his doctor, Dr. Leo Navratil, he began painting and drawing ten years after his hospitalization before moving to the Gugging Artists' House, a residence adjacent to the hospital. Drawing inspiration from celebrity portraits and news images, as well as photographs of military equipment published in illustrated magazines, Johann Hauser primarily depicted female figures, emphasizing their sexual attributes, while their body hair and hair filled the frame. He also reproduced airplanes, boats, cars, shells, and animals, particularly snakes.

He sketched the outlines of his designs in pencil before coloring them. In several compositions, Johann Hauser juxtaposes figurative and abstract elements on the same plane.