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IAM

I am awash with innumerable loves and solitary sadnesses for my black, white, and the countless shades in between.”
 

My art is not caged to black and white; it is abuzz with the infinite shades that illustrate the colours of my journey and take you as far as your imagination goes.

Charcoal has been my chosen medium for as long as I can remember. Where others may see a lack of colour, I see an empty canvas of possibilities, where the simplest of tools—my charcoal sticks—can enkindle profound art. The textures and tones of charcoal, a whisper of blue, reminiscent of the serene border of Mother Teresa’s simplistic attire, and a touch of red, echoing the vibrant vermilion my mother used to wear with such naivete and grace, enrich my work with resonance and depth. I find my art, and my art enables me to find myself!

Be it the bustling city streets or the idyllic beauty of historical monuments, the moody embrace of the monsoon or the wispy wings of butterflies—each painting of mine is a dialogue between you, the viewer, and the world as I see it.

Living and working in Mumbai, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my art in esteemed galleries in India and abroad. But for me, art is not about the accolades; it’s about the connections between you and the stories I weave through the timeless medium of charcoal.

Call of the Masses

In my work, “Call of the Masses,” you will find me seeking answers in chaos while delving deep into the complex symbiosis between politics and society.

Through strokes of charcoal and bold accents of blue and red, I capture the essence of political and social tensions, inviting you to question the realities as we know them. These paintings echo the immortal movements of our time.

Monsoon in Mumbai

In the middle of chaotic contrasts, when the sky opens up, the Mumbai skyline tells a story of pursuits and spirit. My work on the monsoon in Mumbai reflects my quest to paint a world in motion without a pause. In my eyes, the skyscrapers piercing the clouds, the glistening streets in the rain’s embrace, and the mundane turn into vibrant, living art. 

Monsoon in Calcutta

Whisper of the Rains: “The City of Joy”

In the labyrinthine lanes of Kolkata, when the monsoon casts its dreamy spell, the rain becomes my muse! Indulge in the enigmatic charm of Kolkata through my eyes—in the parade of umbrellas, the man-pulled rickshaws and their silent dance of resilience and grace, the colonial echoes, and the timeless allure that’s quintessential Kolkata.

Mother Teresa

With my charcoal and a dash of sapphire, I capture Mother Teresa as a manifestation of empathy and grace. In a whirlwind world, her simplicity and kindness have been a calming force and a profound inspiration. Through each stroke of my hand, I tried to reflect on the compassion she offered to countless lives. 

Women in Love

This work of mine is a portrayal of my art seeking to explore the depths of passion, desire, and vulnerability of women in love! You will see my art capturing the complexities of a woman’s heart—her longing, her strength, her surrender, and her delicacy. These paintings are a tribute to the intimate portrayal of the feminine soul laid bare.   

Bull and Horse

In my work featuring bulls and horses, I tell the tales of one of the finest and unadulterated forces of nature! My bulls and horses portrayals are deeply influenced and inspired by these majestic creatures and the beauty of their profound strength and untamed valor.

The Butterfly People

In my work with butterflies, I celebrate their charisma and joyful flight—beauty amidst life’s fleeting moments. My art has always been inspired by their vibrant colours and immortal grace. I see a semblance to our own journey! Humans, beautiful in their own ways, should embrace and celebrate their inner beauty, even in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

SUMI-E

I consider the process of grinding the ink stick as a form of meditation, used to empty the mind and prepare it for the artistic process.

It is another way of self-expression.

My God

In my work on “God,”  I express a deeply personal concept of reverence—one that transcends societal definitions. My paintings reflect a belief that is ingrained in my artistic quest. Through my work, I try to capture the essence of consciousness and faith that defies the norms. It’s my attempt to invite you to experience spirituality as an intimate, individual journey.

Sculptures

My sculptures are not merely objects; they are experiences designed to provoke thoughts and evoke emotions.

Ajay De

Mumbai-India

© Ajay De. All rights reserved worldwide.