In the current photo series, to relive his childhood memories, Cop Shiva slips between roles of gods and goddesses, film heroes, cops, and robbers — all linked to his childhood.
Published Jun 06, 2025 | 3:55 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 06, 2025 | 3:55 PM
A solo exhibition by Cop Shiva. (Supplied)
Synopsis: “No Longer A Memory” by Cop Shiva, a cop turned acclaimed artist, reflects his childhood and deep bond with his mother. Blending myth, cinema, and memory, the vibrant photo series honours her strength and spirit. On view at Gallery Sumukha, Bengaluru, from 31 May to 28 June, 2025, 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
A young boy from Ramnagar was deeply inspired by his grandfather, a drama artist known for portraying mythological characters on screen. Captivated by the world of performance and storytelling from an early age, the boy dreamed of following in his grandfather’s footsteps.
However, life had other plans. In 2001, driven by the need to support his family financially, he moved to Bengaluru and joined the Indian Police Service, stepping into a vastly different world as a police officer. Yet, even amidst the discipline and demands of his new role, his artistic spirit remained undeterred.
The young boy is now Shivaraju BS, widely known by his artistic persona “Cop Shiva,” stands as a celebrated contemporary artist/photographer. He wanted his name to be unique and exclusive thus he decided to take the name “Cop Shiva”.
“No Longer A Memory” is Cop Shiva’s latest solo show, which is a delves into his childhood. The idea behind this photo series occurred when Shiva realized that he didn’t have a picture with his mother, Gowramma.
In the current photo series, to relive his childhood memories, he slips between roles of gods and goddesses, film heroes, cops, and robbers — all linked to his childhood.
The entire photo series was conceived to give equal space and significance to Cop Shiva’s mother. Reflecting on the process, he shared that the effort, energy, and dedication he invested in the work were matched equally by his mother’s spirit and strength. “Today, she looks truly happy,” he said with pride.
“I’m dedicating this photo series to all mothers. They are special. Mothers don’t just sacrifice — they dedicate themselves fully and keep pushing their limits for us,” said Cop Shiva. He calls her his HERO. “I think my mom has taken over me now. I’m so happy. She deserves it,” said Cop Shiva, smiling.
A still from the photo exhibition. (Supplied)
A chance encounter in 2007 with 1 Shanthi Road Studio/Gallery, an alternative art space in Bengaluru, proved to be a turning point. The space, a melting pot of creativity and expression, allowed him to reconnect with his artistic roots.
As he took on the role of a coordinator at the gallery, he immersed himself in the vibrant artistic community, learning from the many artists who passed through its doors. It was here that he discovered his true calling — photography. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Over time, he began showcasing his work in both solo and group exhibitions, gradually building a name for himself in the art world.
His work has garnered international recognition and prestigious accolades, including the Sovereign Asian Art Public Vote Prize (2023), a fellowship from the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University (2023), the Swedish Art Council Grant (2018), and the Pro Helvetia Swiss Art Council Grant (2017).
He was also a finalist for the Robert Gardner Fellowship in Photography at Harvard University’s Peabody Museum (2016).
Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “A 10th standard educated me is now a Harvard alumnus.” said Shiva.
Further speaking about his show and recalling his childhood days with his mother, Cop Shiva said, “My mother was my playmate.”
“No Longer A Memory” is Cop Shiva’s latest solo show. (Supplied)
He also shared a story from that time when he and his mother used to play a game — he would be the police, and she would be the robber. Sometimes, they would even reverse roles. “It was a game I used to play in my childhood, and there’s a picture of it in the photo series,” he added.
He then spoke about another image in the series, set against a marigold flower background. “We had a piece of land, but my father’s relatives took it from us. So, I used to tell my mother, ‘Don’t worry, I will grow up, and I’ll buy land for you. We’ll grow lots of marigold flowers, and I’ll cover the place with your beautiful marigolds.’”
“I kept that promise — I bought land. We now have a mango tree, a coconut tree. Our life, the promise, the hope — everything we once dreamed of — is reflected throughout this work,” said Shiva.
Shiva’s photo series features vibrant colours. Explaining his choice, he said, “I love colours. In my area, there are a lot of temples — all very colourful. I wanted to use colourful backgrounds to recreate that vibrancy. I also wear colourful clothes; it gives me a lot of positivity.”
The work of the photo series began in 2018 with the creation of the set and the process of taking photographs. Cop Shiva’s family was deeply involved in every step, especially his mother, for whom he made every effort to keep the experience easy and comfortable.
The set was constructed in his village, and Shiva took on the role of director, personally handling the set design as well. The production posed several challenges — from sourcing fabrics and selecting backgrounds to creating the right visual atmosphere.
As Shiva explains, a director not only guides the process but also visualizes the art in its entirety.
Photo exhibition by Cop Shiva. (Supplied)
Joshua Mauyiwa, the curator of the photo series, has been closely associated with Cop Shiva and his artistic journey.
“If you look at the work, it’s very filmy — very cinematic and filmic,” he said. Traditionally, a curator selects the photographs and writes curatorial insights, but Joshua contributed far beyond that.
He played a key role in arranging the photographs, choosing wall colours, and designing the overall layout of the series. He further explained that the colourful walls were meant to represent the vibrant hues of Ramnagar, the town where Cop Shiva was born.
“For example, the light green wall at the beginning of the exhibition represents Cop Shiva’s first house,” he noted.
“No Longer A Memory” photo series exhibition by Cop Shiva is open at Gallery Sumukha, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru, from 31 May to 28 June 2025, between 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
