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 stationery collection celebrates key works in the exhibition and this vibrant bookmark features detail of the watercolour painitng Vishnu as Matsya the fish (1880-1899) from the Art Gallery of New South Wales collection.

Avatar: Forms of Vishnu bookmark
Artpaper
6 x 19cm
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