For Ajay Kumar Biswas enduring art is forged in the quiet fire of human spirit, says Shabiha Nur Khatoon.
He is not a professional artist nor does he have a degree from any arts college.
What he has, is a hawk’s-eye capture of anything that he comes across. Ajay Kumar Biswas has spent the last twenty-five years proving that the most enduring art is forged in the quiet fire of the human spirit.
To be honest, his freehand doodles simply standout for their artlessness. There are no frills, no adornments; just a slice from the real world as it is. Ajay’s story is not just about a man who picks up a brush; it is about a man who used that brush to carve out a sense of dignity when the world tried to take it away. His journey which he calls ‘silver string’, has been pulled, twisted and stretched to its absolute limit, but it has never snapped.
From an early dream to immerse himself in a “puddle of vibrant colours,” his work today reflects a profound emotional and philosophical depth. For him, art is akin to poetry—its essence truly understood only by those who approach it with emotional sensitivity and curiosity. Through his paintings, he seeks to communicate beyond words, allowing colours and forms to express what language often cannot. But unlike many successful artists, Ajay never enrolled for formal training. He is entirely self-taught, a label he wears with both pride and a touch of melancholy.
He learned from nature, from deep personal frustration, from patience, and even from the selfishness of others. When asked about his biggest inspirations, he says, “Nature and the great Leonardo Da Vinci are my biggest inspirations. I don’t look at a tree or a sunset just as a pretty picture, but as a complex system of beauty and truth which I try to capture on my canvas with splash of colours.”
Worst Nightmare
Every artist has a turning point, but for Ajay, it was a moment of profound darkness. In 2018, after serving for seven years as a teacher, he hit a wall of what he describes as utter ‘tyranny.’ A conflict with a head of school led to a situation that would be every artist’s worst nightmare: his paintings were confiscated. It wasn’t just about the canvas or the paint; it was about his dignity. To see years of his hard work treated like contraband or trash plunged Ajay into deep depression.
He sought help from everywhere, but his opponent used every crooked policy in the book to keep him down.
Ajay explains, “He confiscated my paintings. I was seeking help from all sources but he manipulated everyone using his crooked policies, which led me to depression. This experience gave birth to my thought about artist’s dignity. After rescuing my paintings from a dumping room with the help of Commissioner of Police, I started to revitalize the paintings and tried to bring them back to life again. It was not easy for me.”
Objective behind the Brush
To understand Ajay’s work, one needs to understand how he thinks. He doesn’t see a painting as a moving image on a flat surface. To him, art is poetry. It is a language for people who are emotionally sensitive enough to hear what the colours are saying.
Ajay Kumar Biswas has experimented with a wide range of artistic expressions, including contemporary, abstract and fine art. His works often carry thematic messages, created using oil and acrylic mediums, where each subject is given a distinct voice and language of its own, but he always returns to the ‘King and Queen’ of his world: Oil and Acrylic. He has a peculiar, almost spiritual, relationship with oil paints. “I love oils because they force you to be patient.
You have to wait to see the emotions of the colours as they dry,” he explains. He believes that a great artist needs two things that seem like opposites: the wide-eyed excitement of a child and the deep, analytical mind of a philosopher. Without the child, the art has no life; without the philosopher, it has no weight.
The Wayfarer and the Throne
Ajay’s influence has started to spread beyond the canvas. One of his notable works, “The Wayfarer,” further extends his artistic narrative into the medium of films. A short documentary based on this work captures the thoughts of an artist contemplating the universal reality of life—a concept he has endeavoured to portray through his creative expression. But among his most ambitious project is his work, in progress, titled “Throne of Justice,” inspired by the iconic historical legend Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This piece represents not just artistic dedication but also a deep engagement with history and cultural legacy.
The Legacy of the Lalit Kala Academy
While he may feel like an outsider, the art world has certainly taken notice. Ajay’s artistic journey has also been recognised through multiple exhibitions. He has showcased his work four times at prestigious venues such as Lalit Kala Academy and Jaydev Bhawan, earning appreciation for his unique vision and expressive style.
Sharing his experience, he adds, “Whenever I have exhibited, it is with enthusiasm and by delivering a message to society with love to encourage students. Yes, my first exhibition in Jayadev Bhawan (Bhubaneswar) gave a thrust to move ahead. A positive reaction from people and good memories for the next.”
Ajay Kumar Biswas continues to evolve as an artist, guided by emotion, introspection and an unwavering commitment to his art. His journey stands as an inspiring example of how passion and perseverance can shape a meaningful and enduring artistic legacy.
Biswas’s 25-year long journey is a blueprint for anyone who feels like the world is against them. His advice to the next generation is born from the scars of 2018 and the triumphs of the Lalit Kala Academy: “If you are really passionate, and not just looking for a professional pay check, your unconditional love for your creativity cannot be shattered by any adverse situation. Passion, patience and hope are what keep you alive to achieve your goals. Never give up. Explore without expectations,” he signs off.
