Born in 1931 in Kolkata, Kartick Chandra Pyne was a visionary artist He earned his Fine Arts diploma from the College of Arts and Crafts in Calcutta

Throughout much of his career, Pyne remained elusive, distancing himself from the public eye Regarded as one of the pioneering Indian artists to delve into surrealism, he crafted an artistic language influenced by both Western modernism and Indian folk art, shaped during the final years of Colonialism

In contrast to his contemporaries, who focused on beauty and rationale, Kartick Pyne broke free from conventional norms Infusing surreal elements into his work, he challenged the entrenched rigidity of the Indian art scene, expressing himself uninhibitedly His canvases became a vibrant spectacle of whimsical, colourful creatures, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic recesses of his mind

Pyne's art was metaphorical, utilising colour based on personal meaning rather than representation Inspired by artists like Fernand Leger, Marcel Duchamp, and Joan Miro, he painted fantastical worlds, seamlessly merging traditional and modern mediums, from large oils to watercolours on rice paper Pyne embraced the idea that reality encompasses elements from both the conscious and subconscious realms

As a deeply private individual, Pyne preferred contemplation, focusing on painting and exploring diverse subjects—myth, fables, human stories, culture, memories, and erotica—with a vibrant palette For Pyne, art was an intimate endeavour, requiring a still mind to experience the meditative aspect of creation

Throughout his illustrious career, Kartick Chandra Pyne showcased his works in numerous solo exhibitions in India In 1979, his art featured in the 100 Years of Modern Art exhibit at the Fukuoka Museum in Japan He passed away in 2017 in Kolkata, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and introspective artistic expression