The Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney is hosting 'Avatar: Forms of Vishnu,' an exhibition featuring 200 artworks that trace 1,500 years of artistic depictions of the Hindu god Vishnu and his avatars. The exhibition draws from international and Australian collections, including works from the gallery's own holdings and loans from institutions such as the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Curated by the gallery's Asian art team, the exhibition explores the concept of 'avatar'—divine descent—through sculptures, paintings, and textiles. Key pieces include a 12th-century bronze of Vishnu as Narasimha (the man-lion) from Tamil Nadu and a 19th-century painting of Krishna from Rajasthan. The show aims to highlight the enduring relevance of Vishnu's avatars in contemporary culture, particularly the idea of transformation and adaptation.
The exhibition runs from June 25, 2026, to October 11, 2026, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Admission is free for members and children under 12, with a general entry fee for adults. The gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Wednesdays.
