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 mounted print collection features key works from the exhibition including the painting Samudra Manthana, Churning of the Ocean of Milk (2026) by Desmond Lazaro.

Mounted print
Made in Australia
25.4 x 25.4cm
Exclusive to the Gallery Shop

Desmond Lazaro (England/India/Australia b1968)
Samudra Manthana, Churning of the Ocean of Milk 2026
natural pigments and gold on birch board, 243 x 243cm © Desmond Lazaro
Design: Art Gallery of New South Wales