Dipti Mathur is a biochemist-turned-collector of contemporary South Asian art. She earned her Bachelor’s in chemistry from Presidency College, Calcutta, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, followed by post-doctoral research at MIT. Her scientific work focused on signal sequences and DNA repair mutations linked to cancer, and she later specialized in human toxicology and health risk assessment.

Dipti has built a highly regarded collection of modern South Asian art and believes in the visual arts’ power to foster cultural understanding and dialogue. She emphasizes the importance of artists in advocating for truth and justice in society.

Her engagement with museums is extensive. She serves on the boards of several institutions, including the Seattle Art Museum and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, where she co-chairs NOVA, an initiative focused on contemporary Asian art. Dipti assists major museums like the Asia Society and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in acquiring significant works by South Asian artists.

Dipti is also involved with Harvard’s Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and chairs its Arts Council. She also co-founded the South Asian Arts Initiative at UC Berkeley, funding lectures and residencies.

Beyond her art and academic contributions, Dipti is active in non-profit work, including her role with Pink Ribbon Girls, which provides support to cancer patients. Living in Palo Alto with her husband and daughter, she enjoys travel, cooking, and advocating for women’s health issues.