Dhari- 0.K.M.

This work, done in 1988, was executed before Dodiya's first solo show and belongs to the early part of his realist phase. The setting is recognizable from other works of the same period as the dry barren landscape of Saurashtra. Dodiya, who is originally from this area, used to travel frequently by train and capture the profile and details of the landscape, both in his mind as well as on camera.

When compared to other works from this period, this work shows a conscious attempt to reduce certain extraneous structures and details in order to heighten the impact of the bare, arid landscape. The resulting open space communicates a tremendous sense of calm. Scattered vertical poles punctuate the canvas and reinforce the feeling of barrenness, only to be broken by the two bright spots of color in the small shrine and the distant structure.