Nearly 200 works spanning 1,500 years of artistic expression will go on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales this weekend as a major exhibition traces the enduring influence of Vishnu across South and Southeast Asia.
Avatar: Forms of Vishnu opens on 20 June, bringing together ancient sculptures, paintings, textiles, jewellery, photography and contemporary installations from across the region. Many of the works are being shown in Australia for the first time, including several international loans.
The exhibition examines how artists from countries including India, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Cambodia have interpreted stories associated with Vishnu and his avatars across different periods and cultural traditions. Alongside historical works, it features contributions from contemporary artists whose practices engage with mythology, identity and social change.
Co-curators Melanie Eastburn, Senior Curator of Asian Art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and Dr Chaitanya Sambrani from the Australian National University said the exhibition explores themes that extend beyond religious traditions, including love, transformation, devotion and renewal.
Among the exhibition’s centrepieces are some of the earliest known sculptural representations of Vishnu from Cambodia. These include a sixth-century sculpture of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana and a pre-Angkor temple lintel depicting the reclining Vishnu and the birth of Brahma.
Another highlight is a recently conserved seventh-century sculpture of the horse-headed avatar Kalkin, also known as Hayagriva. The work, which was reunited with missing elements in 2014, is being exhibited outside Cambodia for the first time.
Rare manuscript paintings, bronze sculptures and contemporary commissions are also featured. New Delhi-based artist Sumakshi Singh has created a large-scale woven cotton and silk installation inspired by the architecture of the Sun Temple at Konark and the story of Narasimha. The work follows her appearance at this year’s Venice Biennale and marks its first showing in Sydney.
Photographer Pushpamala N contributes a series of staged images that revisit the story of Sita, offering an alternative perspective on a character traditionally portrayed through male-centred narratives.
The exhibition also incorporates digital elements. Visitors can interact with animated interpretations of artist Kalam Patua’s Kalighat paintings through touchscreen technology designed to introduce the stories of Vishnu’s avatars to contemporary audiences.
Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Maud Page said the exhibition reflects the institution’s aim of presenting internationally focused exhibitions while engaging with the cultural diversity of communities across New South Wales.
The exhibition arrives amid growing interest among Australian galleries in presenting major South and Southeast Asian art projects. It offers audiences an opportunity to encounter works that are rarely seen outside their countries of origin while exploring stories that have travelled across generations, regions and artistic traditions.
Avatar: Forms of Vishnu will be shown exclusively at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 20 June until October 2026. A program of talks, workshops, performances and community events will accompany the exhibition throughout its run.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
