New Delhi/Sydney: Indian High Commissioner to Australia Nagesh Singh, accompanied by his spouse Mrs Pragjna Singh, visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) in Sydney to view the landmark exhibition ‘Avatar: Forms of Vishnu’, celebrating centuries of artistic traditions and storytelling from South and Southeast Asia.
The exhibition, which opened on June 20 and runs until October 5, 2026, brings together more than 200 works spanning sculpture, painting, textiles, photography and contemporary installations. It explores the many manifestations of Lord Vishnu, including Rama, Krishna and other avatars, and traces how these stories have been interpreted across different cultures and artistic traditions over centuries.
During their visit, Nagesh Singh and Mrs Pragjna Singh were warmly received by Maud Page, Director of AGNSW, Jane Pochon, and Melanie Eastburn, Senior Curator of Asian Art and co-curator of the exhibition.
‘Avatar: Forms of Vishnu’ is significant not only as an exhibition of Asian art but also as a celebration of the shared cultural heritage and historical connections linking India with Australia and the wider South and Southeast Asian region. Developed in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU) over more than three years, the exhibition brings together historical and contemporary works from collections in Australia, India, Cambodia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The exhibition also highlights the remarkable geographical reach of stories associated with Vishnu, demonstrating how narratives surrounding Rama, Krishna and other avatars travelled across regions and were adapted into diverse artistic traditions.
The High Commissioner’s visit provided an opportunity to recognise the important role of arts and cultural exchange in strengthening India-Australia relations. Such engagements help deepen mutual understanding and showcase India’s rich civilisational heritage to Australian audiences.
The visit was described as an enriching cultural engagement, underlining the deep and enduring people-to-people and cultural connections between India and Australia.