Painters
Samik De
Works by Samik De
Artist Overview
Samik De's practice explores mythology not as a retelling of ancient stories but as a living
philosophical framework for understanding contemporary life. Drawing from Hindu epics, the Puranas, folklore, and spiritual traditions, he creates layered compositions where deities
become metaphors for resilience, transformation, compassion, and inner awakening.
His paintings balance intricate detail with expressive abstraction, evolving over the years into richly textured surfaces that invite prolonged contemplation. While rooted in sacred imagery, De's work addresses universal themes of identity, justice, human emotion, and the search for meaning in an increasingly material world.
For De, art is an act of devotion as much as creation. Each work reflects an ongoing dialogue between the spiritual and the human, encouraging viewers to look beyond the visible and reconnect with their own inner consciousness. His practice stands as a celebration of India's mythological heritage while offering a contemporary visual language that resonates across cultures and generations.
Biography
Samik De is a contemporary Indian artist whose practice is deeply rooted in mythology, spirituality, and the enduring relevance of ancient narratives in the modern world. Largely self-taught, his artistic journey began in childhood, inspired by the stories of Krishna, Durga, and the Puranas narrated by his grandmothers. Although academically trained as a Chartered Accountant with an MBA in Finance, De pursued a successful corporate career while dedicating himself to painting outside working hours for over two decades.
Working across acrylic, ink, charcoal, and pastel, De has developed a distinctive visual
language that merges meticulous craftsmanship with symbolic abstraction. His works have been exhibited widely across India and are held in private and institutional collections. Through his paintings, he transforms mythological iconography into timeless visual meditations that speak to both personal introspection and collective human experience.