The Art Gallery of New South Wales is set to host one of its most ambitious exhibitions in decades, with “Avatar: Forms of Vishnu” offering a powerful exploration of art, mythology and cultural storytelling spanning over 1,500 years.
Opening on 20 June 2026, the exhibition will feature more than 200 works, making it the largest presentation of South and Southeast Asian art at the Gallery in over 20 years – and the first major Australian exhibition dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu.
A Journey Through Time, Culture and Imagination
Bringing together a rich mix of ancient and contemporary works, the exhibition will showcase sculptures, paintings, textiles, photography and installations that trace how artists across centuries have reimagined Vishnu and his many avatars.
From early depictions rooted in sacred traditions to modern artistic interpretations, the exhibition highlights how storytelling through art continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to spiritual and cultural heritage.
Director Maud Page described the exhibition as expansive and unprecedented, noting that it offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most enduring visual traditions.
Exploring the Many Avatars of Vishnu
In Hindu philosophy, Vishnu is the preserver of the universe, believed to take various forms – or avatars – to restore balance and protect dharma. The exhibition explores these diverse manifestations, from animal forms like Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise) and Varaha (boar), to the iconic man-lion Narasimha.
Human avatars such as Rama and Krishna also take centre stage, alongside Mohini, Vishnu’s only female form, and Kalki, the future avatar associated with renewal and transformation.
Through these narratives, the exhibition reflects themes of heroism, love, justice and devotion – concepts that continue to resonate across cultures and generations.
Rare Works from Around the World
The exhibition features significant loans from leading global institutions, including museums in India, Cambodia, Europe and beyond. Many of these artworks are being displayed in Australia for the first time, with some rarely travelling outside their home countries.
Highlights include early illustrated paintings from the Ramayana and Mahabharata dating back to the Mughal era, as well as ancient Cambodian sculptures – including a striking depiction of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana and a rare horse-headed Vishnu avatar.
Contemporary Voices and New Commissions
Alongside historical works, the exhibition also features strong contemporary representation, with artists such as Nalini Malani, Pushpamala N and Gulammohammed Sheikh exploring Vishnu’s narratives through modern lenses.
Newly commissioned works include large-scale paintings by Desmond Lazaro inspired by the cosmic tale of the churning of the ocean, and an intricate installation by Sumakshi Singh, reflecting the story of Narasimha with contemporary artistic expression.
The exhibition has been curated by Melanie Eastburn in collaboration with Chaitanya Sambrani, bringing together deep academic insight and creative storytelling.
A Cultural Milestone for Australia
More than just an art exhibition, Avatar: Forms of Vishnu represents a significant cultural moment – particularly for Australia’s South Asian diaspora. It offers a rare opportunity to experience centuries of heritage, spirituality and artistic expression in one place.
Running until October 2026, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the timeless stories of Vishnu through art that bridges history, culture and imagination.
