Imagine pouring your heart and soul into something, only to have it vanish into thin air. That's the devastating reality for surrealist artist Henry Orlik, who feels 'violated' after dozens of his artworks disappeared.
This isn't just about missing paintings; it's about the loss of years of dedicated work, the tangible pieces of an artist's life. Orlik, now 78, experienced this painful event when he was evicted from his London social housing flat in 2022 while recovering from a stroke in the hospital. The missing pieces? His precious paintings.
Now residing in his childhood home in Swindon, Orlik's surviving works are being meticulously cataloged, with some already finding their way into exhibitions, collectively amassing over £2 million. This comeback is especially poignant, given Orlik's initial reclusiveness and recent recovery from illness. He's only recently felt well enough to share his story.
He revealed, "You feel violated," adding, "I feel physically sick." The feeling of violation stems from the personal connection Orlik has with his art. He rose to fame in the 1970s before stepping away from the art world. For decades, he worked diligently in his flat, storing his creations.
But here's where it gets controversial...Orlik's art has made a remarkable comeback in the past couple of years, with pieces selling for millions in private galleries in London and New York. To aid in the recovery of his missing works, Orlik has offered a £50,000 reward, yet the paintings remain unfound. He emphasizes that the titles aren't the primary focus; it's the memories and the meaning behind each image that are essential. "They're in me," he says, highlighting the deep personal connection he has with his work.
Orlik's surrealist style is unique, with many of his large-scale paintings taking months to complete. His technique involves tiny brushstrokes, composed of small squiggles he calls 'excitations,' showcasing precision and accuracy. Grant Ford, an art dealer and expert, describes some of the missing pieces as "iconic," including a beautiful portrait of Marilyn Monroe and a striking image of a cowboy.
And this is the part most people miss...Over the past 18 months, Orlik has sold his paintings in London, New York, and Marlborough, Wiltshire. He is now having his first solo exhibition in a publicly funded gallery, with some of his work loaned by collectors like Helen Michael, who describes her purchased piece as "very emotional." Initially, around 78 artworks were believed to be missing, but a recent recount suggests the number is significantly higher.
Orlik is pleased with the growing appreciation for his work, but the return of his missing paintings remains his top priority. What are your thoughts? Do you think the art world values the artist's emotional connection to their work? Share your opinion in the comments below!
