Dispute Over Colour of Kolkata Academy of Fine Arts Security Room Intensifies
A dispute surrounding the exterior colour of a security room at Kolkata’s Academy of Fine Arts escalated as the structure was painted white and subsequently restored to saffron within a 24-hour timeframe.
What Happened
The security room at the iconic cultural institution had earlier been painted saffron, triggering demonstrations from local theatre personalities and cultural figures. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, artists accompanied by Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and senior advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya painted the room white. The following day, Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members led by actor and MLA Rudranil Ghosh visited the site and repainted the structure saffron.
Explaining the move, Rudranil Ghosh stated that the colour had been altered by political rivals without consulting the Academy’s trustees, adding that CITU occupies four offices on the premises. In response, theatre practitioners, including Aneek Theatre Group Secretary Arup Roy, criticised the repainting as an act of dominance. Meanwhile, BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya stated to the media that playing politics over colours is not part of the party’s agenda and called for the identification of those responsible so action could be taken.
Key Highlights
- Repeated Repainting: The security room at the Academy was turned from saffron to white on August 11 and back to saffron on August 12.
- Protests by Artists: A group of 14 theatre practitioners, including Bibhash Chakraborty, Arup Roy, Chandan Sen, Sourav Palodhi, and Arun Mukhopadhyay, submitted letters condemning the earlier repainting to BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
- Broader Context: The incident follows widespread repainting across West Bengal since the change of government in May, where public infrastructure, road barricades, and parts of the state secretariat Nabanna have shifted toward saffron-and-white schemes from the previous blue-and-white styling.
- Heritage Value: Established in 1933 by Lady Ranu Mukherjee, the Academy of Fine Arts on Cathedral Road houses 6,300 square feet of gallery space featuring historic works by Rabindranath Tagore, Abanindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, Gaganendranath Tagore, and Ramkinkar Baij.
Why This Matters
The Academy of Fine Arts is one of Kolkata’s premier cultural institutions. The dispute reflects broader tensions regarding the alteration of colours on civic and cultural landmarks following recent administrative changes in West Bengal.
What to Watch Next
Theatre practitioners announced plans to convene on Thursday to determine their next course of action regarding the repainting of the Academy premises.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Academy of Fine Arts founded?
The Academy was formally established in 1933 by Lady Ranu Mukherjee, initially operating from a room in the Indian Museum before moving to Cathedral Road.
Who repainted the security room white?
Artists alongside CPI(M) leader and senior advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya painted the security room white on August 11, 2026.
What did the BJP State leadership say regarding the incident?
BJP State President Samik Bhattacharya stated that engaging in politics over colours is not part of the party’s agenda and sought the identification of those involved.
Source: Reported based on coverage by The Hindu.