This captivating exhibition brings together centuries of art and storytelling from South and Southeast Asia celebrating Vishnu, the Hindu deity who preserves order in the universe.
Avatar, meaning ‘descent’ in Sanskrit, describes the many forms Vishnu takes to descend from the heavens to restore balance on earth. In sculpture, painting, textiles, photographs and film, the exhibition traces the ways artists have envisioned Vishnu’s various avatars, including Matsya the fish, Kurma the tortoise, the beloved Krishna, the noble prince Rāma, and Kalki, the future avatar who will bring renewal.
Brimming with tales of heroism, love and devotion, the exhibition presents exceptional historical and contemporary art from renowned collections in Australia, India, Cambodia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. It also introduces new works created especially for the exhibition by artists Desmond Lazaro, Gitanjali Das, Kalam Patua and Sumakshi Singh.
Avatar: Forms of Vishnu will be accompanied by a richly illustrated publication featuring essays by writers from across the globe.
Event Details:
Dates: 20 June – 5 October 2026
Location: Art Gallery of New South Wales - Naala Badu building Lower level 2