silent threads

Her new collection is on show at World Art Dubai from 16th to the 20th of April 2025. Stand MB09 Hall 1. Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sunanda’s new collection centres on the colour black, using a limited palette and textures that interact with light on the canvas. The portraits explore how public image, especially for women, influences self-perception. Reflecting on fragility, Sunanda incorporates delicate elements like butterflies, lace, paper, and beads. Drawing from her fashion background, her gothic-style portraits capture the dramatic and symbolic essence of these themes.The work consists of portraiture and figurative silhouettes that feature throughout her work, by using the surfaces as she would fabric, embellishing it with embroidery, beading and other everyday objects. The process of manipulating the canvas, using sewing needles, creates a certain comfort. This makes a tactile uneven surface, stirring emotions as it reveals our imperfections through our own individuality.

The collection is primarily in black. For some pieces, Sunanda has used an intensely matte black paint that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. One of the works is sculptural, with depth that only becomes apparent as you move around it. Nature plays a central role her vision. The butterfly’s metamorphosis is a recurring theme woven throughout the canvases. Birds and bees embody the freedom of flight and the vitality of life, crossing boundaries without restraint.

About the artist:
Sunanda earned a Master of Arts in Fashion Design from Central St Martins, London, after completing a BA (Hons) in Fashion Design at Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh. She has worked in the fashion industry in London, Milan, and Scotland, and lectured in Fashion and Textiles at DJCA, University of Dundee, for 10 years, teaching BA and MA courses.

Social Media:
Instagram: @sundocarts
FB: Sunanda Docherty Artist

Exhibitions
2023 Hotel Indigo, Dubai. Solo.
2021 FIDA Worldwide, online exhibition.
2021 The Whisper Gallery, UK, online exhibition. 
2019 The One & Only, Arabian Court. Dubai. Solo.
2018 Zee Arts, 100 women artists from around the world. Arabian Court Dubai.
2018 Collective exhibition, Abu Dhabi.
2018 Art Divano Art Gallery, Bahrain.
2017 Art Dubai.
2017 Bahrain Financial Harbour.
2016 The Bookcase Bahrain.
2016 H Hotel, Bahrain. Solo.
2016 In Touch Gallery, Bahrain. Solo.
2015 Malja Gallery, Amwaj, Bahrain.
2014 Word Bookshop, Bahrain.

Published
2020-2022 Fashion illustrations published in:
Goldfoil Magazine, Darkus Magazine, Original Magazine, Escape Art Magazine, Lazin UK Magazine. Checkout Magazine.
2022 The ‘FIBLE’, fashion illustrator’s bible, FIDA Worldwide.
2021 The Capsules Book for artists.
2021 Fashion Issue, colouring book, self-published, Dubai.
2016-17 Where’s Baloo?, illustrated children’s book. Published in Bahrain.
2017 This Way Baloo, illustrated children’s book. Published in Bahrain.