Ajay De (b. 1967)

Ajay De is a Mumbai-based artist known for his enigmatic charcoal portraits that express the complexities of modern society. He controls the light in his works using his fingers, thumb, and palm, showcasing his mastery of the medium. As an introvert, Ajay found inspiration for his art in his life experiences and childhood memories. He creates art that offers solutions to life’s problems, with his Ganesha series featuring shades of red and his Mother Teresa series featuring blue, experimenting with acrylic and adding color to his works. His shift to colorful works began with “The Butterfly People,” which used leaves, flowers, and butterflies to explore the transformations of the human soul, showcasing his artistic versatility. Ajay’s work has been exhibited extensively, including at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai and the Jehangir Art Gallery.

The artist lives and works in Mumbai, India.