Surrealist artist Henry Orlik's World Turned Upside Down: Missing Works, Missing Peace
The renowned surrealist artist Henry Orlik, aged 78, is grappling with a profound sense of violation as dozens of his precious works have vanished. This emotional turmoil stems from the abrupt eviction from his London flat in 2022, during his recovery from a stroke, which coincided with the disappearance of his cherished paintings. Now, Orlik resides in his Swindon childhood home, where his art is meticulously catalogued, and some pieces have found new homes in exhibitions, fetching over £2 million.
Orlik's reclusive nature and recent health struggles have kept him relatively out of the spotlight until recently. Upon discovering the loss of his paintings, he expressed a profound feeling of violation, stating, 'You feel violated. I feel physically sick.' This reaction underscores the deep personal connection artists often have with their creations, viewing them as an extension of their being.
The artist's journey to fame began in the 1970s, but he later retreated from the art world. For decades, he dedicated himself to his craft in his London flat, meticulously stacking and rolling up canvases and drawings. However, a recent resurgence in his career has seen his art sell for millions and grace private galleries in London and New York.
Orlik has taken a bold step by offering a £50,000 reward to retrieve his missing paintings, but they have yet to resurface. The artist emphasizes the significance of the titles and memories associated with each piece, stating, 'The titles aren't important, but I remember them. I worked on them for a long time. They're in me.'
The missing artworks, some of which are iconic, include a beautiful portrayal of Marilyn Monroe and a cowboy, according to art dealer Grant Ford. Ford's website showcases these missing pieces, highlighting their brilliance and iconic status. Despite the setback, Orlik's work continues to gain recognition, with his first solo exhibition in a publicly funded gallery on the horizon.
The artist's unique style, characterized by tiny brush strokes and precise squiggles, has captivated art enthusiasts. Helen Michael, a collector of his work, describes it as 'very emotional,' praising the colors, detail, and imagination that draw her in. However, the true emotional toll lies in the loss of these irreplaceable creations, leaving Orlik with a profound sense of violation and a pressing need to recover his missing masterpieces.
