Themed Exhibitions: Stories in Dialogue
I build stages, not just displays. Whether we are unearthing the forgotten magic of old cinema or mapping the tender bond between a mother and son, these exhibitions are designed to place you inside the story.
A feature by The Hindu on Clare Arni's 'Southern Stars' exhibition. This video captures the interactive elements, including the recreated living room and the trunk of costumes, which were central to the show's immersive design.
A wide view of the 'Southern Stars' exhibition, showing the recreated living room setup in the center of the gallery. This curatorial choice invited visitors to feel at home among the cinematic memorabilia.
The shrine dedicated to actor Dr. Rajkumar, part of the 'Southern Stars' exhibition. This collection of sculptures, photos, and objects was my way of paying homage to a cultural icon.
A table laden with props, hats, and accessories for the 'Pop Up Studio' at the 'Southern Stars' show. This interactive component allowed visitors to play and create their own cinematic personas.
Students from ICAT Design & Media College posing for a group photo at the 'Southern Stars' exhibition, showcasing the show's appeal to a younger generation of creatives.
Artist Clare Arni giving a walkthrough of her exhibition 'Southern Stars' to a team from MAP Bangalore. These guided tours provide invaluable insight into the artist's collection and vision.
Visitors at the exhibition 'ME, AMMA, WE', a joint show by artist Unnikrishnan C and his mother, Devu Nenmara. The curation placed their distinct yet connected works in direct conversation.
A feature in The Hindu about the exhibition 'ME, AMMA, WE'. The article tells the powerful story of how artist Unnikrishnan C encouraged his mother, a daily wage earner, to start painting.
A young visitor wearing headphones interacts with a sound-based sculpture by Unnikrishnan C. from the 'ME, AMMA, WE' show, demonstrating the multi-sensory aspects of the exhibition.
An artwork by Surekha from the group show 'the sky the sea the city'. This exhibition brought together artists contemplating themes of water, migration, and memory.
About Themed Exhibitions: Stories in Dialogue
In a show like 'Southern Stars', I don’t just hang frames; I recreate entire living rooms with gramophones and old costumes to make the art tangible. You will notice that these exhibitions are built for engagement—you can play the records, try on the hats, and walk through scenes—so come prepared to step into the work, not just observe it from afar.
Curating a themed exhibition is about finding the invisible threads that connect different pieces of art. When I approach a new space, I ask: how can this room become a stage? My process involves more than just selecting works; it is about sequencing emotions.
For 'Southern Stars', this meant turning the gallery into a cinema-lover’s sanctuary, complete with a pop-up studio where visitors could create their own cinematic personas. Similarly, for 'ME, AMMA, WE', the challenge was to create a dialogue between an artist and his mother, highlighting the raw, unfiltered connection that happens when art is born from daily life.
I treat the viewer as a participant. I believe that an exhibition should be a space for questions. Why do we collect these objects? What does a vintage trunk tell us about migration? When you walk through one of my exhibitions, you are meant to leave with more questions than answers. Whether it is a solo artist deep-dive or a group show exploring urban identity, the goal remains the same: to turn the gallery into a conversation that continues long after you leave.
Cop Shiva
My camera captures the moments, but my curation builds the stage where these stories live. I am Cop Shiva, and I view every exhibition as a chance to bring hidden memories and diverse voices into the light.
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