Sujata Dharap (b. 1964), a distinguished visual artist based in Pune, immerses herself in the world of structural abstraction, profoundly influenced by her father, the renowned artist Bal Wad. Her art is a tapestry of identity, memory, and the human condition, woven through both abstract and representational techniques. She describes her creative process as a ‘conversation with her innermost self.’

Dharap’s art is deeply influenced by her passion for travel and architectural exploration, breathing life into architecture where windows and doors become portals integrating nature into living spaces. Her vibrant world of structural abstraction transforms salvaged wood into living canvases, each piece serving as a window into a rich narrative where raw textures and resplendent hues converge. Central to Dharap’s work is her intimate exploration of space and structure. Salvaged wood from old interiors becomes a storyteller, its weathered timbers repurposed to reveal their tales through delicate layers of paint and texture. Each artwork captures the dialogue between nature and human creation, turning distressed wood panels into portals that merge the ancient with the contemporary.  Her fascination with architectural elements such as doors, windows, and skylights highlights the interplay between internal and external worlds. Dharap’s use of dynamic colour palettes contrasts with monochromes, reflecting her eclectic upbringing in Mumbai and her travels. Her impactful trip to Bali inspired the ‘Outer Edge’ series, where distressed wood panels transform into living windows bridging past and present. Similarly, her experience in Egypt, where she encountered papyrus, led to the ‘Found Surfaces’ series. This series juxtaposes ancient textures with modern interpretations, reflecting the interaction between urban settings and nature. Dharap’s frames, integral to her process, shape the palette and narrative of her art. Some pieces are projected in space rather than hung on walls, creating a dynamic interplay of structure and colour, bridging past and present in a poetic dialogue.

Dharap earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (1983) and Master of Fine Arts from the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai (1985). Her accolades include the Maharashtra State Award (1981) and the National Award from the All-India Arts and Crafts Society (1986). She has held 26 solo exhibitions across India, Dubai, and the US, and has participated in numerous groups shows. Exhibitions include her recent solo show "Found Surfaces" in New Delhi and the ‘Monsoon Art Show’ in Mumbai (1984). Her murals, totalling over 250, adorn various locations in Mumbai, Pune, Mahabaleshwar, and Kolkata. Dharap’s contributions to art education include workshops at Manipal University, the National Institute of Design, and a presentation at the Lexington Society for Art in Boston.