The quaint lanes of the historical city of Kolkata which houses a 44 year old artist called Samik De. Through his works we explore the tales and narratives of the Maha Kumbh of his mind. Where he immerses himself into the all-encompassing divine through his paintings and sculptures. While we take a holy dip of our soul into his devotion for the almighty, we discover some extraordinary works of art. 

He doesn’t see the mythological icons as merely representations of gods and goddesses, but as complex characters or mediums through which he tries to express his emotions to narrate these stories. He delves into the deeper layers of human existence, using mythological symbolism to communicate personal reflections of struggles, and triumphs. The characters, though rooted in ancient traditions which serve as a bridge between the divine and humans, offer a space where emotions and stories can be conveyed beyond the literal. Although his paintings are figurative moulded into simple forms yet, in majority of the cases draw their inspiration from various powerful mythological icons.

Born in Kolkata, and surprisingly academically trained to be a Chartered Accountant who did his MBA in Finance his professional journey has been rooted in numbers yet imagination always found expression through colours and lines. Painting is a passion he committed to from a very young age. He tried to bring imagination to life, blending my analytical background with an innate artistic flair. His works reflect the harmony between structure and creativity in his life.

Samik started his journey as an artist professionally way back in 2001 and had his first exhibition in 2005 and his first solo in 2006 ever since he has had eight solo exhibitions since then. He participated in a number of group shows in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Jallandhar, Bangalore, Bhopal, London, Zurich and so on. His works have been a part of various personal and corporate collections.

When asked how he was introduced to the world of art and the role of his family he replied, “My love for stories has been a driving force in my artistic journey, beginning in my childhood. My deep fascination for narratives, whether read, heard, or seen, has always captivated me. It was my grandmother who first introduced me to the world of mythological tales, telling him stories from various ancient texts that left me mesmerized. These mythological characters didn’t remain distant or abstract figures, instead, I began to perceive them as real, living beings-walking through their emotional journeys, experiencing their pain, struggles, and triumphs. Over time, these symbols and icons became more than just mythological figures to me, they became a medium for my own expression. Through these characters, I found a way to narrate my own emotional experiences, blending the myth with the personal and allowing my art to serve as a reflection of both my inner world and the mythological landscapes that shaped my imagination.”

We asked him about his favourite mediums to which he said, “I have explored a variety of mediums throughout my artistic journey, including oil, watercolour,  pastel, etc ; each offering a unique way to express my creativity. However, it was through ink and acrylic that I ultimately found my own artistic language and used it in most of my recent works. The fluidity of ink combined with the vibrant richness of acrylic colours enables me to create striking compositions that reflect my personal style and deep connection to my chosen mythological themes.”

In my earlier years, my artistic exploration began with tactile mediums like clay and wood, long before I found my expression on canvas. Over time, my work transitioned to the canvas, where I found my own style using ink and acrylic medium. However, recently I have started exploring alternative mediums again, transforming my paintings into sculptures. By combining various materials and techniques, I am trying to give my artwork a new dimension, merging the worlds of painting and sculpture. This allows me to reinterpret my paintings, offering fresh perspectives and further expanding the boundaries of my artistic expression.

Stories transcend borders, cultures, and languages. A truly compelling story is not confined by any geographical, linguistic, or religious boundaries. It is universal and timeless, resonating with anyone who encounters it. Whether the stories come from different countries, religions, or mediums, they serve as a constant source of inspiration for his imagination. However, while  he draws creative influence from a vast array of narratives, my primary mode of expression continues to be rooted in Indian mythology. Through iconic mythological characters and symbols, I channelize his emotions and thoughts, weaving them into the fabric of his artistic practice.

He believes, life should be one of mindfulness and living in the present. Rather than focusing on distant goals or future achievements, He chooses to embrace each moment with purpose. For him, the key to a fulfilling life lies in making the most of today- dedicating time to honing his skills, expanding his imagination, and refining his expressions. By doing things to the best of one’s ability in the present, he will naturally pave the way for a better tomorrow.

Samik sums it all up by saying,” My approach is one of continuous growth and happiness, where the present moment becomes the foundation for future success, both artistically and personally.”