A 78-year-old surrealist painter who withdrew from the commercial art world for decades is now having his first solo exhibition at a publicly-funded gallery. Henry Orlik, from Swindon, England, gained recognition in the 1970s when he exhibited "alongside some of the greats" before making the decision to leave the art world behind.
In recent years, Orlik has made a remarkable comeback, with his artwork selling for more than $2 million collectively and being featured in private galleries in both London and New York. His current exhibition marks a significant milestone as his first solo show in a public institution.
"Now at a later age to have his first public institutional show for everyone to enjoy, I think is really very significant," said Antiques Roadshow expert Grant Ford, who brought Orlik's work to the council-owned Museum and Art Swindon. Ford, who had a 30-year career at Sotheby's, has been instrumental in reintroducing the artist to the public.
Orlik's career trajectory took a dramatic turn in the 1980s when he became reclusive after growing disillusioned with the commercial art world. Despite having exhibited alongside renowned artists like Salvador Dali in the 1970s, he chose to step away from the spotlight and remained largely absent from the art scene for decades.
The current exhibition features mostly loaned pieces, but the museum has made a significant acquisition for its permanent collection. John Wood from the museum explained that they underwent a lengthy process to secure funding to purchase "eggs unhatched under the sun," an initial pencil version of one of Orlik's works. "I think for us to be the showcase, to be the first public window for Henry, a local artist, it's a privilege and it's an honor," Wood stated.
Orlik's artistic process is notably meticulous and time-intensive. According to Ford, his paintings are extremely precise, with a single painting requiring approximately eight to nine months to complete. "Henry Orlik is an incredible artist who was exhibiting beside some of the greats in the 1970s then just disappeared," Ford explained. "I've never seen anything quite like them in my art career."
The artist's current frail condition adds poignancy to this exhibition. "Henry is really very frail and this is recognizing what a brilliant artist he is," Ford noted, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging Orlik's talent while he can still witness the recognition.
Adding intrigue to Orlik's story is an ongoing search for dozens of his missing paintings. The artist is actively trying to track down these lost works, with a $50,000 reward being offered for their return. This mystery surrounding his missing artwork has only added to the fascination with his rediscovered career.
"The Lost Surrealist: Henry Orlik's Quantum Revolution" will remain on display at Swindon Museum and Art until March 14, 2026, providing visitors with an extended opportunity to experience the work of this remarkable artist who has emerged from decades of obscurity to reclaim his place in the art world.
