Journalism of Courage
An expert in charcoal drawings,Ajay De will be showcasing his latest collection in the city
My art is not black and white,because life is full of tinges. If one would look at my creations with the eyes of feelings you’d find the colours of fire in the spirit of my paintings,the green of dreams in my strokes, says artsit Ajay De as he describes his shadowy sketches. Consistently working on charcoal,which he terms as his magic wand, for the last 14 years,De has reproduced life in black on white.
Tremendously inspired by the rickshaw pullers as a subject,in Kolkata where he grew up,they were one of his initial works followed by several exhibitions across the world.
My techniques are relatively difficult as I draw with fingers and palms and never use the brush. In this a mistake cannot be erased. Therefore I have the complete image in my mind before I start, adds De,who also derives motivation from nature and social life.
Having done several series including those on Ganesha,Mother Teresa and women,on charcoal works,De feels very few people attempt taking up the medium as a mainstream one in India as well as abroad. When I started,a lot of galleries discouraged since the medium doesn’t have colours and they had questions regarding its selling capacity. Even now very few people have adequate knowledge,some doubt if the charcoal will fade away. Nevertheless it invariably mesmerises me, adds De.
(Ajay De will be exhibiting at the Tilting Art Gallery ,Ishanya between April 6 and 20)
