Artist statement

Our public image is paramount to how people, particularly women, identify as individuals. With my background in fashion design, and personal experiences I have accumulated throughout my life, my work encompasses that theatre you see on a catwalk.

In my youth I was inspired by the symbolism and subliminal messaging of gothic portraits. These works are austere and stoic, but they encouraged me to explore the subliminal messages of the story behind the face. We all hide behind masks, perfect or imperfect. 

Portraiture and silhouettes feature throughout my work, using the surfaces as I would a fabric, embroidery, cloth or beading.

The whole process of manipulation of the canvas using the needle to stab and repair as well as comfort. This creates a tactile uneven surface, stirring a multitude of emotions. It reveals our imperfections through our own individuality.  

Bringing colour, vibrancy and sparkle is welcome in our daily life, regardless of what is thrown at us, I endeavour to bring some beauty.

Qualifications:
Central St Martins School of Art, London. MA Fashion Design.
Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh. BA (hons) Fashion Design.
Contemporary Arts Academy, London.

Social Media:
Instagram: @Sundocarts
FB: Sunanda Docherty Art

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.

Employment. 
2022
Dubai EXPO 2020, UAE. David Atkins Enterprises LTD. Illustrator working with the costume department.
2016-18 
FAD Dubai Fashion Institute. Lectured in Fashion Design and Illustration.

Freelance Work from 2000-2016
Ninth Space Branding Agency, Dubai. Illustrations for Landmark Group (retail).
The Bookcase, Bahrain.
Artology, Bahrain, workshops.
Ria School, Illustration for HRH Prince of Wales, while in Bahrain.
Art Divano, workshops Bahrain.
Bahrain Financial Harbour, workshops.
Summer Street Branding Agency, Glasgow.
Drambuie, Edinburgh.

Full-time work from 1987- 1999
1990-1999
Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles, DJCAD, The University of Dundee.
1991-1992
Lecturer in Fashion. Cardonald College, Glasgow.
1990
Senior Designer, BabyGro for Marks and Spencer.
1989
Senior Designer, River Island, London.
1987-89
Designer, Caesar Fashions, London.