Ajay De (b. 1967)

Ajay De is an Indian artist born in 1967, known for his expressive charcoal works that explore form, light, and human presence. Influenced by Japanese calligraphy and his early experiences in Kolkata, his practice is rooted in black-and-white compositions that reflect everyday life and quiet resilience. Over time, Ajay expanded his visual language by incorporating acrylic into his charcoal works, introducing red tones in his Ganesha series and blue hues in his Mother Teresa series. He has held solo exhibitions across Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Tokyo, and has participated in group exhibitions in New York, Dubai, and New Delhi, among others. With a practice that continues to evolve, Ajay’s work reflects an ongoing pursuit of intimacy and expression.The artist lives and works in Mumbai, India.