Avatar: Forms of Vishnu

Abstract

Avatar: forms of Vishnu explores the rich artistic and cultural legacy of the many forms taken by Vishnu – one of Hinduism’s most revered deities – to restore cosmic order in times of crisis. Spanning fifteen centuries and featuring approximately 200 exceptional works from collections across Australia, India, Cambodia, Switzerland, the UK and the USA, the publication traces the enduring relevance of Vishnu’s avatars through sculpture, painting and contemporary art.

Structured around expansive thematic essays and entries on Vishnu, his avatars, companions and opponents, Avatar: forms of Vishnu provides new scholarship from leading curators and academics, including editors Melanie Eastburn and Chaitanya Sambrani, and authors Johanna Bear, Carol Cains, Neeraja Poddar, Seang Sokha and Caroline Widmer – offering fresh perspectives on narrative traditions, devotional practices and artistic styles in South and Southeast Asian art.

The publication explores the mythological origins and iconographic diversity of Vishnu’s avatars, the role of feminine energies in the Hindu pantheon, the devotional philosophy of bhakti, and regional approaches to painting and architecture in South and Southeast Asia. Short texts on ‘who’s who’ within Vishnu’s divine circle helps readers identify the avatars, consorts and adversaries depicted throughout the works of art.

Designed to extend the curatorial vision of the exhibition presented exclusively at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Avatar: forms of Vishnu invites readers to experience the great art that has brought these beings and their stories to life across time and place.