One of Australia’s leading cultural institutions, Art Gallery of New South Wales, has unveiled a landmark exhibition exploring the many forms of the Hindu god Vishnu, bringing together centuries of artistic tradition from across South and Southeast Asia.
Titled Avatar: Forms of Vishnu, the exhibition will be the largest presentation of art from the region at the gallery in more than two decades. Featuring more than 200 works, it traces how Vishnu has been imagined, interpreted and reinterpreted over the past 1,500 years.
Senior Curator of Asian Art Melanie Eastburn said the exhibition reflects the enduring and evolving nature of these stories.
“Across South and Southeast Asia, tales of Vishnu’s avatars have inspired contemplation and devotion, as well as entertainment,” she said.
“Vishnu’s avatars are responsive, dynamic and shaped by the cultures and communities that embrace them – whether in centuries past or today.”
In Hindu belief, Vishnu is the preserver of the universe, maintaining balance and restoring order in times of chaos. Central to this role are his avatars—earthly incarnations taken to defeat evil and protect cosmic harmony. These include forms that blend human and animal characteristics, such as the fish, tortoise, boar, lion and horse, each tied to specific mythological narratives.
The exhibition spans a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, textiles and contemporary installations. Works have been sourced from institutions and artists across India, Cambodia, Germany and the United Kingdom, with several pieces being shown in Australia for the first time.
Among the highlights are rare paintings from 1594 depicting scenes from ancient Indian epics, a sixth-century Cambodian sculpture, and a newly restored seventh-century artwork representing a horse-headed incarnation of Vishnu.
Contemporary commissions also feature prominently. Artist Desmond Lazaro presents twin paintings of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, a key creation story in Hindu mythology, while New Delhi-based artist Sumakshi Singh contributes a detailed lace installation inspired by Narasimha, the man-lion avatar.
Avatar: Forms of Vishnu will run at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 20 June until October 2026, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of one of the world’s oldest and most influential mythological traditions.
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