Cop Shiva

From Being Gandhi – Photograph © Cop Shiva

Cop Shiva is a photo artist with ten years of experience as a coordinator of the art space and residency, 1Shanthiroad, in Bangalore, during which he managed more than 100 exhibitions and art events, and assisted more than fifty international artists. Prior to becoming a photo artist, he joined the Karnataka Police Department, in 2001.

Shiva’s photography focuses on documenting the complexity of rural and urban India. He makes portraits and is fascinated with the idea of masquerade and the roles people play in public and private space. His works include intimate portraits of urban migrants, people of alternative sexuality, street performers and others living in the hinterland of urban and rural conflict. He attempts to capture the diversity of humans who live on the edge and represent the spirit of our times.

Shiva’s work is represented by the Gallery Sumukha in Bangalore and Art Heritage Gallery in New Delhi. He has widely exhibited in group shows and solo exhibitions in galleries and museums in India and abroad. His work was included in the Chobi Mela in Bangladesh, India Art Fair, Delhi and Kochi Biennale. Private collectors and International museums also have acquired his works for their permanent collections. Shiva is recipient of the 2017 grant of Prohelvetia-Switzerland and Swedish Art Council and 2016 finalist for the most prestigious Harvard University Peabody Museum Robert Gardner Fellowship of Photography.

This bio was provided by the artist. A more comprehensive profile will be forthcoming.