Vishnu's Avatars Explored in Two Major Exhibitions

There are two fascinating exhibitions exploring the different depictions of Vishnu, the Hindu deity known for upholding cosmic order. The first, 'Saltimbanques au Japon,' takes place at the Musée des Arts Asiatiques in Nice, France, until June 28. It features 70 ukiyo-e prints from the Jeanne-Yvonne and G Edard Borg collection, showcasing Japanese street performers from the Edo and Meiji periods. This exhibit highlights the role of entertainers in conveying stories and emotions while tracing the evolution of performance art from spiritual rituals to popular entertainment, influenced by Western circuses. The second exhibit, 'Avatar: Forms of Vishnu,' runs from June 20 to October 5 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney and showcases a wide range of artworks from as far back as the 5th century to modern pieces created by 2026. Co-curated by Melanie Eastburn and Chaitanya Sambrani, it features sculptures, textiles, paintings, photographs, and films that emphasize Vishnu's ten main avatars and their cultural significance across South and Southeast Asia, including notable Mughal manuscripts from 1594 and Angkorian Khmer sculptures, as well as contemporary works by various artists.