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 Vishnu as Matsya the fish from the Art Gallery of New South Wales collection.

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

India, West Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat style
Vishnu as Matsya the fish 1880–99
watercolour with silver paint on paper, 42.5 x 27.7cm
Art Gallery of New South Wales, purchased 1959
Design: Art Gallery of New South Wales