Avatar: Forms of Vishnu 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 and photographs, 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.

Our latest postcard designs celebrate key works in the exhibition, including the painting Matsya avatar from 18th century India.

Avatar: Forms of Vishnu postcard
Sold individually
Art paper
10.5 x 15cm
Exclusive to the Gallery Shop

Master of the first generation after Manaku and Nainsukh of Guler India, Pahari region, Guler
Matsya avatar c1775
folio from the second Guler Gita Govinda series opaque watercolour and gold on paper, 15.4 x 25.2cm image, 17.4 x 27.2cm sheet
Museum Rietberg, Zurich, gift of Horst Metzger Photo: Museum Rietberg, Zurich, Rainer Wolfsberger
Design: Art Gallery of New South Wales