Kolkata's Vibrant Graffiti Scene: A Creative Celebration and Artistic Movement

Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage, has enthusiastically embraced graffiti as a dynamic form of public art, extending its appeal beyond the art community to captivate a broader audience through popular social media platforms like Instagram.

In the heart of south Kolkata, particularly in the Hindustan Park area, the recent @caravan.art.fashion exhibition unfolded as a dynamic celebration of art, fashion, and the city's vibrant spirit. From lively fashion stalls to awe-inspiring graffiti masterpieces adorning the streets, the event showcased the evolution of graffiti from a rebellious expression to a recognized and appreciated art form in many global cities.

A captivating video shared by @ig_calcutta on Instagram provides a glimpse into Kolkata's thriving graffiti scene, highlighting the longest graffiti street in the city adorned with vivid colours and intricate patterns by talented artists. This video has garnered millions of likes, underscoring the widespread appreciation for Kolkata's graffiti culture.

Instagram users flooded the comments section, expressing admiration for the initiative. Enthusiastic users praised the city's vibrancy, with comments like, "Now that’s my city, forever vibrant & vibing," and appreciation for specific elements of the video, such as "the eye opening in the beginning."

The support for graffiti in Kolkata extends beyond social media, with locals expressing their love for art. Comments like, "Ahhhhhh!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️The Culture’s Growing!!!!! Love It!!!!!” reflect the enduring passion for art among the people of Kolkata.

At the forefront of this creative movement is Art Rickshaw, a unique art school cum gallery founded by Shailaja Rungta and her daughter Devanshi Rungta in February 2016. The school aims to provide an inclusive and non-discriminatory space for the city’s artists, making art both affordable and accessible. Art Rickshaw has pioneered novel initiatives that resonate with the artistic pulse of Kolkata, including the Unicorn Street Arts Festival in 2018, which drew over 10,000 enthusiastic attendees.