The Original Avatars: An Introduction to Vishnu’s Earthly Manifestations
Avatar or something more? Krishna is sometimes removed from lists of avatars because he is thought to be greater than that: his devotees consider him a god in full. Krishna Fluting for the Gopis, page from an illustrated Dashavatara series. Northern India (Punjab Hills, Mankot), circa 1730. Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, 10 1/4 x 8 in. (26 x 20.3 cm). Collection of Catherine and Ralph Benkaim
Playing at avatars is a way of pretending to have powers similar to that of a god, but it is simply a matter of pretending. At some point in the future, it may actually be possible for humans to take temporary occupancy of new bodies. But even if we become big and blue and can communicate with flying horses via organic extension cords we will never be the equivalent of Vishnu’s avatars, who are, after all, divine.
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Art and Avatars in Brooklyn « Beyond the Display:
August 3rd, 2011 at 8:59 pm
[...] For further information, see the exhibit’s official description on the Brooklyn Museum’s website (http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/vishnu/) and the related blog entry by the Brooklyn Museum’s Lisa and Bernard Selz Curator of Asian Art, Joan Cummins (http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/community/blogosphere/2011/08/02/the-or iginal-avatars-an-introduction-…). [...]
Tom Burkert:
August 26th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
I loved your Vishnu exhibit…and it’s catalog. Since it seems to be such a success, have you thought about doing follow-up exhibits on Devi and Shiva? As far as I know only Devi has previously had an exhibit (Devi: The Great Goddess, March 28, 1999 – September 6, 1999 at the Sackler Gallery). What are the chances of this happening? Thanks again for a most enjoyable experience.