Art-Dealing Brothers Accuse Each Other of Assault at New York Gallery

Competing claims of physical altercation at shared business space

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A legal dispute between two art-dealing brothers in New York has escalated from accusations of breach of contract to allegations of physical assault. Both Projjal Dutta and Harry Hutchison claim the other assaulted them at their shared gallery space on April 11, resulting in injuries and criminal charges.

Why it matters

The ongoing feud between the brothers, who previously operated the Aicon Gallery together, highlights the challenges and tensions that can arise when family members are involved in running a business. The competing assault claims also raise questions about workplace safety and the potential for violence in the art world.

The details

According to court documents, Hutchison filed a complaint in October 2025 alleging that Dutta "accosted" him, "assaulted, beaten, and battered" him, causing "severe and permanent injuries." Dutta responded by claiming Hutchison was the one who "shoved, battered, and assaulted" him, leading to Dutta's own "severe and permanent injuries." Dutta was arrested and arraigned based on Hutchison's claims, but the case was later adjourned in contemplation of dismissal.

  • The alleged incident occurred on April 11.
  • Hutchison filed his complaint on October 21, 2025.
  • Dutta was arrested and arraigned based on Hutchison's claims.
  • On June 13, the case against Dutta was "adjourned in contemplation of dismissal."

The players

Projjal Dutta

One of the art-dealing brothers involved in the legal dispute and alleged assault.

Harry Hutchison

The other art-dealing brother involved in the legal dispute and alleged assault.

Aicon Contemporary

The gallery represented by Projjal Dutta.

Aicon Art

The gallery represented by Prajit Dutta and Harry Hutchison.

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What they’re saying

“He was assaulted, beaten, and battered by Dutta, causing severe and permanent injuries and pain, shock, and mental anguish as well as considerable medical expenses and the loss of the ability to perform his normal activities.”

— Harry Hutchison (artnews.com)

“Dutta reasonably believed that [Hutchison] was using or was about to use unlawful physical force against Defendant, and if Defendant used force, he used only such force as Defendant reasonably believed to be necessary to protect himself from imminent harm.”

— Projjal Dutta (artnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to dismiss the charges against Projjal Dutta on June 13.

The takeaway

This escalating legal dispute between the art-dealing Dutta brothers highlights the potential for family business conflicts to turn violent, underscoring the need for clear boundaries, communication, and conflict resolution strategies when relatives are involved in running a shared enterprise.