She graduated with a Diploma in Fine Arts from Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, (1986). Anju Dodiya has evolved to be primarily a water colorist, but is equally skilled with acrylics as well.
Her major exhibitions include Bombay, at the Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, (1996), an exhibition at Gallery Apunto, Amsterdam (1993), Husain Ki Sarai, in Faridabad (1992), Indian Eclectics, at the French Embassy, New Delhi (1989), Family Resemblance, a show curated by Ranjit Hoskote for Birla Century Gallery, Mumbai (2000), Embarkations, a show curated by Yashodhara Dalmia, Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai (2000), Transpositions with Nalini Malani and Gulammohammed Sheikh, Lakeeren Gallery, Mumbai (2000), the Harmony Show – organized by Reliance Industries, Nehru Centre, Mumbai (2000, 2001), Art in the World 2000, organized by Beaux Art Magazine, Paris, Celebration of the Human Image, Gallery 42, New Delhi (2000), Once Upon a Time, conceived by Shireen Gandhy, Gallery Chemould, Mumbai (2000), A Global View – Indian Artists at Home in the World, curated by Bernhard Steinrucke, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (2001), Memorablia for Mumbai, for the Kala Ghoda Association, Mumbai (2001), the CRY Show, Dubai (2001), The Bodied Self, a show curated by Ranjit Hoskote, for Sans Tache Gallery, Mumbai (2001), ARS 01, Museum of Contemporary Art, Kiasma, Helsinki, Finland.
Strongly autobiographical, Anju Dodiya’s paintings explore internal/external realities, reflecting amongst other things the conflicts of womanhood, the various dimensions of human relationships, or the artist confronting her various selves. Intensely private and thoughtful, her imagery, though theatrical is balanced by a calm and almost detached sense of scrutiny. Predominantly figurative, her aesthetic trajectory has been inspired by masters like Giotto and Massachio; her works often drawing from elements from Gujarati folktales, traditional, Japanese Ukio-e prints, and world mythology.
Despite of her brilliant colors and the numerous symbolic layers woven into each painting, one finds a stark simplicity in Dodiya’s adherence to the essential and the feminine – clearly seen in her use of embroidered textiles, floral forms and/or her mythic references. Her paintings are often exercises in conceptual reinvention: Penelope in Pink Clouds, for instance reinvents the classic archetype of the young lover waiting patiently for the return of her consort.”
Her new paintings on fabric and paper recently exhibited at Bose Pacia (2006) received much acclaim.
The artist lives and works in Mumbai.