Lotus

A Together in Art Pocket Exhibition curated by Melanie Eastburn

From the muddiest waters, the lotus blooms pure and bright.

I always smile when I see the lovers Radha and Krishna covered in petals, a goddess nursing the elephant-headed infant Ganesha, boys frolicking in a lotus pond, or Krishna prancing by the Yamuna river.

Also comforting is the historical Buddha on a lotus throne calling the Earth to witness his enlightenment, while the medicine Buddha holds a healing sprig in his alms bowl.

Symbolising purity, transformation and new beginnings, the lotus can brighten dark times.

Melanie Eastburn is senior curator of Asian art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

AGNSW collection Lotus-clad Radha and Krishna circa 1700-1710

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/218.2007/

AGNSW collection Jingdezhen ware Lotus pond bowl 14th century

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/106.1999/

AGNSW collection Kalighat style Kamala Kamini nursing Ganesha 1880-1899

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/EP3.1959/

AGNSW collection Bundi school Vasant ragini circa 1770

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/82.1997/

AGNSW collection Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha with Lakshmi in attendance 19th century

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/107.1986/

AGNSW collection John Young Cloud and generic flower study #2 Summer 1998-Autumn 1998

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/332.2001/

AGNSW collection Menri style Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru) 19th century

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/67.1999/

AGNSW collection Seated Buddha calling the Earth to witness (bhumisparsha mudra) 18th century

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/479.1996/