Meet the Artist

Sunitha Gopal is a contemporary realist artist, art consultant, and educator based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She is the Founder of SUNARTCAFE, an independent fine art studio and learning space that consolidates studio practice, structured teaching, and commissioned projects under a single, artist-led framework. Her work focuses on cultural memory, heritage objects, animals, and light, delivered through a disciplined realism suited to collectors, institutions, and professional interiors. She is currently appointed as Guest Lecturer / Adjunct Faculty at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai Campus.

Professional Profile

Sunitha operates at the intersection of:

• Fine Art Practice – developing coherent bodies of work in contemporary realism, with an emphasis on structured composition, controlled light, and narrative objects.

• Art Consulting – planning and executing commissions, bespoke artworks, and contemporary surface-based pieces for residential, institutional, and corporate spaces.

• Studio & Learning Leadership – directing SUNARTCAFE as an artist-run studio and learning environment offering workshops, courses, and mentorships for children, adults, and emerging artists in Dubai.

Her practice is characterised by clear planning, technical consistency, and reliable delivery, with a strong focus on documentation, timelines, and professional standards.

Education

• MBA in Operations Management – Manipal University, India

• BBA in Business Administration – C. V. Raman University, India

• Diploma in Graphic Design – Cosmos Educational Institution, Dubai

• Plus Two – Varkey International Private School, Dubai

• SSLC – Crescent English Medium School, Dubai

Academic and Teaching Appointments

Guest Lecturer / Adjunct Faculty – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai Campus (September 2025 – Present)

1. ANI 1101 – Art for Animation (Freehand drawing, perspective, composition)

2. ANI 1107 – Colour Practice & Painting (Colour theory, painting techniques, realism)

Key responsibilities include:

• Course and session planning aligned with university learning outcomes and assessment rubrics

• Delivery of studio-based lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises

• Evaluation of student work, portfolio development, and exam-oriented assignments

• Preparation of examination papers, assessment criteria, and academic documentation

Founder & Director – SUNARTCAFE (Dubai, UAE)

SUNARTCAFE functions as both a studio and a structured learning space. Activities include:

• Drawing and painting classes for children, hobby learners, and emerging artists

• Short courses and workshops in watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media

• Focused mentoring for portfolio preparation and foundational skill strengthening

The teaching approach across MAHE and SUNARTCAFE is syllabus-oriented, process-driven, and organised around measurable skill development rather than informal instruction.

Previous Role – Creative Partner, Aurum Art House Painters & Calligraphers LLC (Dubai, UAE), 2023–2025

• Contributed to concept development, art and design execution, and client-facing project work

• Assisted in setting up early workflows for quotations, design approvals, and delivery within a studio-operations context

Artistic Practice

Mediums:

• Watercolour

• Oil

• Acrylic

• Charcoal and graphite

• Pastels

Focus Areas:

1. Cultural and heritage objects (doors, vessels, textiles, domestic and architectural elements)

2. Animal studies, with particular emphasis on structurally demanding forms such as horses

3. Light, tonal structure, and compositional balance

Working Method:

1. Research and reference development – observational sketches and photographic studies where appropriate.

2. Structural planning – establishing proportion, perspective, and tonal hierarchy prior to detail work.

3. Layered execution – developing form through calibrated values, controlled edges, and consistent surface finishes suited to each medium.

The objective is technically stable, visually clear work suitable for private collections, curated exhibitions, and institutional or interior contexts.

Selected Exhibitions & Awards

• Paper Biennale 2026 (Netherlands) – Selected artist, “Silent Watch” (Charcoal on Paper)

• Masaha Residency, Misk Art Institute, Saudi Arabia – Shortlisted for Cycle 10 (2025)

• Sharjah Art Foundation Residency Programme 2025–2026 – Application submitted with research project “Echoes from the Threshold”

• JK Paper Award 2026 – Portfolio submission including multiple works on paper (2023–2024)

• International exhibitions in the UAE, India, and Chile – Group and solo shows (2021–2025)

Residencies & Fellowships

• Kala Art Institute Artist-in-Residence (USA) – Waitlisted for the 2025–2026 cycle

• Kyoto Art Center Artist-in-Residence 2026 – Application submitted with project “Letters to Silence”

• La Napoule Art Foundation Residency (France) – Application in process for Spring 2026

Workshops & Community Engagement

• Designed and delivered children’s workshops in drawing, colour, and visual storytelling for schools and nurseries

• Conducted adult workshops in watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media for beginners and improvers

• Developed a series of contemporary textured panel works for luxury interiors, aligning visual language with architectural and design requirements

Professional Affiliations

1. Founder, SUNARTCAFE – Fine Art Studio & Learning, Dubai

2. Executive Member, The Guild (Kerala)

Current Focus

From her base in Dubai, Sunitha is currently focused on:

• Developing cohesive series in realist painting and drawing for curated exhibitions and collectors in the UAE and internationally

• Expanding structured learning and mentoring modules under SUNARTCAFE for students, hobby learners, and emerging professionals

• Building strategic collaborations with galleries, cultural institutions, and design partners requiring high-precision, realism-based work with clear documentation and timelines