Apparao Galleries was founded in 1983/84 by Sharan Apparao to exhibit, promote, and encourage contemporary art in Chennai at a time when there was little art activity. Over the years, the well-travelled and well-exposed Sharan evolved the gallery into what it has become today.

Having worked with artists well-known, unknown, and emerging, the gallery has exhibited artists across India in addition to several collaborative exhibitions in London, Paris, New York, and Monaco. As a curator, Sharan Apparao has created exhibitions combining ancient crafts, living artisans, and contemporary artists while continuing to show pure art most times. In the role of a consultant, the gallery and its founder have advised collectors on building collections and following growing trends, in addition to working closely with designers and architects for special projects. In some of these special art projects, artists and designers have collaborated to create site-specific artworks based on the design requirements. The outreach program of the gallery extends to lectures, workshops, courses, and tours all related to the arts.

Today, Apparao Galleries exhibits in locations in Chennai and additionally in Delhi, while working on public art interventions and satellite shows across the country. The gallery also works on site-specific art projects.