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 Varāha avatar from a Dashāvatara series.

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

Mahesh of Chamba (India active c1730–75)
Varāha avatar c1750–75 folio from a Dashāvatara series
opaque watercolour on paper, 16.3 x 24.1cm image, 20.4 x 28cm sheet
Museum Rietberg, Zurich, purchased with funds from Balthasar and Nanni Reinhart Photo: Museum Rietberg, Zürich, Rainer Wolfsberger
Design: Art Gallery of New South Wales