A once-overlooked surrealist artist, whose numerous artworks have vanished, describes the experience as deeply unsettling.

Henry Orlik, 78, was removed from his social housing apartment in London in 2022 while he was recuperating from a stroke in the hospital, which coincided with the disappearance of his paintings.

Now residing in his childhood home in Swindon, his artwork is being systematically cataloged, with some pieces already sold at exhibitions, yielding over £2 million overall.

Typically a private individual and recently recovering from health issues, Orlik has only recently regained the strength to participate in interviews. Upon discovering his paintings were missing, he expressed, “it feels like a violation,” and added, “I experience a physical sickness.”

Orlik gained recognition in the 1970s but chose to step away from the art scene.

For many years, he toiled in his flat, accumulating and storing canvases and sketches.

In recent years, however, he has made a resurgence, with his art fetching millions and being showcased in private collections in London and New York.

Orlik has already offered a £50,000 reward for the recovery of his missing artworks, yet they have not yet surfaced.

These paintings embody years of his artistic journey.

“The titles don’t matter, but they are etched in my memory. I dedicated much time to them; they are a part of me,” he remarked.

“There is significance behind every image. That’s why I painted it; there is always a purpose.”

After realizing their absence, he commented, “It feels like a violation. I feel nauseous because it’s so surreal, almost unreal.”

He stated that recovering them would hold immense significance for him.

His surreal artwork is distinctive, with many of the larger pieces taking months to create.

Orlik employs intricate brushwork, with much of his art characterized by small, squiggly forms he refers to as excitations. It is both meticulously detailed and exacting.

Art dealer and specialist Grant Ford, who has listed the missing pieces on his website, remarked that some are “iconic.”

“There’s a stunning painting of Marilyn Monroe. There’s also a piece featuring a cowboy. Many of Henry’s missing works are simply outstanding. They are true icons.”

After successfully selling his works over the past 18 months in locations such as London, New York, and Marlborough, Wiltshire, Orlik is now preparing for his first solo exhibition at a publicly funded gallery.

Several collectors who purchased his art have loaned pieces for the exhibition at Museum and Art Swindon.

Among them is Helen Michael, who describes her artwork as “very emotional.”

“The colors, the intricacies, the creativity—I could gaze at it for ages. It leaves you wondering, how did he accomplish this?”

Initially estimated to be around 78 missing artworks, a recount has suggested the actual total might be significantly greater.

While Orlik appreciates the growing recognition of his work, locating his lost paintings remains his highest priority.