Dattatraya Apte is notable for his complex exploration of surfaces and abstract impressions. He began his artistic journey by obtaining a Diploma in Drawing and Painting from the Government of Maharashtra, followed by a BA Honours from the University of Pune. In 1980, he further honed his skills with a Post Diploma in Printmaking from the Faculty of Fine Arts at The Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda.
Apte's artistic pursuits have taken him across borders and cultures. He was awarded the prestigious Charles Wallace India Trust, which allowed him to study under the guidance of Prof. Jacky Perry at the Glasgow School of Art. Throughout his career, Apte has participated in numerous significant exhibitions, showcasing his work to a wide audience. These exhibitions include 'The Print: Matter in Matrix' at Gallery Latitude 28 in Shridharani Gallery, New Delhi, the International Biennale of Prints in Bhopal, and the IV International Art Triennale in Maidacis, Poland. His work has also been featured in the 14th exhibition of the Korean Graphics Society in Seoul and the Swarnarekha-Golden Jubilee Exhibition of Art by the Lalit Kala Akademi.
Apte's talent and dedication have been recognized with several awards, including the AIFACS award, the Chitrakala Parishad award in Bangalore (1992) and the Lalit Kala Akademi's National award in 2004. He received an honorary mention in the Print Biennale held at Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal. Apte is a founding member of the 'Indian Printmakers Guild' and has played an instrumental role in curating the 'Mini Print Exhibition,' a traveling exhibition for Gallery Espace in New Delhi, alongside Anupam Sud.