Avatar: Forms of Vishnu

Celebrating art and storytelling dedicated to the incarnations of the Hindu god

This volume 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 two hundred 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 and 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.

• Melanie Eastburn (Edited by), Chaitanya Sambrani (Edited by)
• 336 pages, softcover
• 200 color illustrations
• 9.4 inches x 7.3 inches