Henry Orlik: Reclusive Genius Surrealist Quantum Painter: Stroke, Eviction and Missing Masterpieces

Henry Orlik: Reclusive Genius Surrealist Quantum Painter: Stroke, Eviction and Missing Masterpieces

Following articles in the BBC, The Guardian, Antiques Trade Gazette, The Arts Newspaper and many other publications, Grant Ford presents the incredible story of Henry Orlik, a brilliant artist who exhibited his work alongside the great masters of Surrealist art in the early 1970s, such as René Magritte, Max Ernst, Salvador Dali, Picabia and de Chirico.

Deciding to turn his back on the commercial art world after two significant shows in the West End of London in the 70s, Henry became increasingly reclusive, introverted, and virtually forgotten. Henry hated art dealers! He locked himself away and painted for decades.

In 2022, Henry suffered a debilitating stroke that disabled him from painting. Whilst convalescing, he was evicted from his housing association flat, locks changed, and over 600 works were cleared and went missing, representing a large proportion of his life’s work.

Following two sellout exhibitions in 2024, Grant tells the incredible story of Henry Orlik’s life and work, including his unique and obsessive application of paint “excitations” and his interest in quantum physics. This is about an artist who should be considered one of Britain’s all-time greats…

Grant tells Henry’s incredible story and brings Orlik’s brilliant works to life. Following two sellout shows in 2024 and the re-emergence of this brilliant painting, Grant explains why collectors around the world are suddenly so excited about this artist’s work.