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'The God of Small Things'
Faith and Popular Culture
Sep 2025 - Oct 2026

Raja Ravi Varma's Laxmi 1894, printed by the Ravi Varma Press c.1910–20, garlanded with flowers for the official opening of 'The God of Small Things', QAG, September 2025 / © The artists / Photograph: N Umek, QAGOMA

'The God of Small Things: Faith and Popular Culture' draws its title from Arundhati Roy's evocative novel to explore the omnipresence of faith in the mundane and extraordinary alike. Centred around a rare collection of embellished oleographs by Raja Ravi Varma (India 1848–1906), the exhibition delves into the intersection between devotional imagery and popular culture, capturing the divine as a living part of everyday life. 

'God of Small Things' is on display from September 2025 to October 2026 in Galleries 5 & 6 (Henry and Amanda Bartlett Galleries) at QAG. To make the most of your visit, check the exhibition dates, get information on getting here and parking, and find out about Gallery accessibility. As this is a rotating exhibition, not all works listed below will be on display simultaneously


‘The God of Small Things’ is supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations. QAGOMA is proud to be a recipient of a Centre for Australia-India Relations Maitri Grant.

Feature image: Raja Ravi Varma's Laxmi (detail) 1894, printed by the Ravi Varma Press c.1910–20, garlanded with flowers for the official opening of 'The God of Small Things', QAG, September 2025 / Photograph: N Umek, QAGOMA

Collection artworks featured in 'The God of Small Things'

Artwork The Cup of Life this artwork made of Metal and aluminium

The Cup of Life 2023

Artwork Four female figures; two male figures this artwork made of Multani clay, bamboo, wood, coir, natural colour, plant fibre, created in 2015-01-01

Four female figures; two male figures 2015

Artwork Faith and science in the time of AIDS, apologies to Dr Jose Rizal this artwork made of Oil and collage on composition board, created in 1996-01-01

Faith and science in the time of AIDS, apologies to Dr Jose Rizal 1996-97

Artwork Let it bleed this artwork made of Synthetic polymer paint and tempera with offset prints, copper foil and solar burning on paper, created in 1994-01-01

Let it bleed 1994

Artwork Judiel's virgin miracle this artwork made of Watercolour, ink and gouache with offset prints, gold foil and solar burning on paper, created in 1994-01-01

Judiel's virgin miracle 1994

Artwork Untitled this artwork made of Handpainted ceramic plate, created in 1995-01-01

Untitled 1995

Artwork Untitled this artwork made of Handpainted ceramic plate, created in 1995-01-01

Untitled 1995

Artwork Untitled this artwork made of Handpainted ceramic plate, created in 1995-01-01

Untitled 1995

Artwork Untitled this artwork made of Handpainted ceramic cup, created in 1995-01-01

Untitled 1995

Artwork Cocos (Keeling) Islands (from 'Banknotes' series) this artwork made of Tape on canvas, created in 2021-01-01

Cocos (Keeling) Islands (from 'Banknotes' series) 2021

Artwork Echo this artwork made of Doors: Lacquer, gold and silver leaf, mineral pigment on wood Silk paintings: Ink, calligraphy, synthetic polymer paint and embroidery on silk Bricks: concrete, lacquer, gold foil

Echo 2023

Artwork Indochina this artwork made of Mixed media and collage on canvas, created in 2014-01-01

Indochina 2014

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled c.1970

Artwork Boy figure this artwork made of Multani clay, natural colour, plant fibre, created in 2015-01-01

Boy figure 2015

Artwork Dundki (rice bowl) this artwork made of Wood, bamboo, coir, multani clay, natural colours, created in 2015-01-01

Dundki (rice bowl) 2015

Artwork Kissan (ploughing man); two bullocks this artwork made of Multani clay, natural colour, plant fibre, created in 2015-01-01

Kissan (ploughing man); two bullocks 2015

Artwork Lady figure taking out husk from rice this artwork made of Multani clay, natural colour, plant fibre, created in 2015-01-01

Lady figure taking out husk from rice 2015

Artwork Tiger figure this artwork made of Multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Tiger figure 2015

Artwork Untitled panel this artwork made of Plywood, multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Untitled panel 2015

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Flowers blooming in this world and the land of Nirvana 2013

Artwork 3 prong tongue shrub this artwork made of Smooth clay fired to 1100 degrees Celsius (terracotta)

3 prong tongue shrub 2024

Artwork 5 prong helosid tongue shrub this artwork made of Smooth clay fired to 1100 degrees Celsius (terracotta)

5 prong helosid tongue shrub 2024

Artwork 6-Legged Fish this artwork made of Clay with cellulose fibres fired to 1150 degrees Celsius (brown)

6-Legged Fish 2017-2022

Artwork 9 prong tongue shrub this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (black with refractory grog)

9 prong tongue shrub 2024

Artwork Bearded doba toad this artwork made of Smooth clay fired to 1100 degrees Celsius (terracotta)

Bearded doba toad 2024

Artwork Black toad this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (black with refractory grog)

Black toad 2024

Artwork Brown lotus mite this artwork made of Terracotta clay with cellulose fibres fired to 1150 degrees Celsius (brown)

Brown lotus mite 2017-2022

Artwork Buffalo Rider this artwork made of Coarse white raku clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius, ferric brushwork

Buffalo Rider 2024

Artwork Bugle-less mongrel this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (black with refractory grog)

Bugle-less mongrel 2024

Artwork Ceramic balls and beads (poo balls) this artwork made of Various clays

Ceramic balls and beads (poo balls) 2017-2024

Artwork Doba blast this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (buff with dark speckled mottle)

Doba blast 2024

Artwork Doba Brushwork, TMD including cats this artwork made of Coarse white raku clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius, black underglaze brushwork

Doba Brushwork, TMD including cats 2024

Artwork Elephant rider with baby this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (black with refractory grog)

Elephant rider with baby 2024

Artwork Kiln Fairy this artwork made of Clay with cellulose fibres fired to 1150 (brown), terra sigillata, calligraphic ink

Kiln Fairy 2017-2022

Artwork Pod Pad Black this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (black with refractory grog)

Pod Pad Black 2024

Artwork Pod Pad Black this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (black with refractory grog)

Pod Pad Black 2024

Artwork Urn, mudskippers no legs this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (black with refractory grog), teeth marks

Urn, mudskippers no legs 2024

Artwork Vigit Hefeco, Alligator back cat with baby this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 (black with refractory grog), teeth and porcupine marks

Vigit Hefeco, Alligator back cat with baby 2024

Artwork Vigit Hefeco 5, Balls in hands Kôgábịnô this artwork made of Smooth clay fired to 1120 degrees Celsius (terracotta); insert: smooth white earthenware

Vigit Hefeco 5, Balls in hands Kôgábịnô 2023

Artwork Vigit Moc Mac Mini 2 this artwork made of Smooth clay fired to 1120 degrees Celsius (terracotta)

Vigit Moc Mac Mini 2 2023

Artwork Vigit Vomit Girl this artwork made of Smooth white earthenware fired to 1100 degrees Celsius, orange glaze

Vigit Vomit Girl 2017-2022

Artwork Vomit Girl Classic, Ritual practitioner this artwork made of Smooth grog clay with manganese and iron fired to 1190 degrees Celsius (black), chopstick marks, bamboo; inserts: terracotta, smooth white earthenware

Vomit Girl Classic, Ritual practitioner 2024

Artwork Vomit Girl Classic, Vigit Hefeco, dog ears this artwork made of Smooth clay fired to 1100 degrees Celsius (terracotta)

Vomit Girl Classic, Vigit Hefeco, dog ears 2024

Artwork Vomit Girl Classic, Girl with face mask this artwork made of Smooth grog clay with manganese and iron fired to 1190 degrees Celsius (black), teeth marks, fabric; inserts: terracotta, smooth white earthenware, grog clay

Vomit Girl Classic, Girl with face mask 2024

Artwork Vomit Girl Classic, wing ears, dog ears, fairy, wide eyes this artwork made of Coarse white raku clay fired to 1100 degrees Celsius, orange glaze

Vomit Girl Classic, wing ears, dog ears, fairy, wide eyes 2024

Artwork Warrior Cat Classic, Foyot Cat, Cat Derivation, big cat with baby this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (buff with dark speckled mottle); inserts: coarse clay, black with refractory grog

Warrior Cat Classic, Foyot Cat, Cat Derivation, big cat with baby 2024

Artwork Worana swirl this artwork made of Coarse clay fired to 1220 degrees Celsius (black with refractory grog)

Worana swirl 2024

Artwork Worana, Dragon with head this artwork made of Smooth clay fired to 1100 degrees Celsius (terracotta with black underglaze brushwork)

Worana, Dragon with head 2024

Artwork Autobiography this artwork made of Watercolour on paper, created in 2012-01-01

Autobiography 2012

Artwork Autobiography - Local train this artwork made of Watercolour on paper, created in 2012-01-01

Autobiography - Local train 2012

Artwork Autobiography - Uncle, Aunty and me this artwork made of Watercolour on paper, created in 2012-01-01

Autobiography - Uncle, Aunty and me 2012

Artwork Beyond reach this artwork made of Watercolour on paper, created in 2012-01-01

Beyond reach 2012

Artwork Photo this artwork made of Watercolour on paper, created in 2012-01-01

Photo 2012

Artwork Post office 2 this artwork made of Watercolour on paper, created in 2013-01-01

Post office 2 2013

Artwork Snake charmer this artwork made of Watercolour on paper, created in 2012-01-01

Snake charmer 2012

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Jali 2015

Artwork Untitled panel this artwork made of Plywood, multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Untitled panel 2015

Artwork Untitled panel this artwork made of Plywood, multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Untitled panel 2015

Artwork Untitled panel this artwork made of Plywood, multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Untitled panel 2015

Artwork Untitled panel this artwork made of Plywood, multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Untitled panel 2015

Artwork Untitled panel this artwork made of Plywood, multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Untitled panel 2015

Artwork Untitled panel this artwork made of Plywood, multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Untitled panel 2015

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Jali 2015

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Jali with ladies 2015

Artwork Woman carrying water with child this artwork made of Multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Woman carrying water with child 2015

Artwork Four figures this artwork made of Multani clay, natural colour, plant fibre, created in 2015-01-01

Four figures 2015

Artwork Dundki (Rice bowl), tree and birds this artwork made of Wood, bamboo, coir, multani clay, natural colour, created in 2015-01-01

Dundki (Rice bowl), tree and birds 2015

Artwork Figure on donkey this artwork made of Multani clay, natural colour, plant fibre, created in 2015-01-01

Figure on donkey 2015

Artwork Six figures this artwork made of Multani clay, natural colour, plant fibre, created in 2015-01-01

Six figures 2015

Artwork Many Lives Lived #75 this artwork made of Gouache on paper, created in 1970-01-01

Many Lives Lived #75 1970s

Artwork Many Lives Lived #77 this artwork made of Gouache on paper, created in 1970-01-01

Many Lives Lived #77 1970s

Artwork Cycle of Life #01 this artwork made of Gouache on paper, created in 1970-01-01

Cycle of Life #01 1970s

Artwork Cycle of Life #02 this artwork made of Gouache on paper, created in 1970-01-01

Cycle of Life #02 1970s

Artwork Cycle of Life #05 this artwork made of Gouache on paper, created in 1970-01-01

Cycle of Life #05 1970s

Artwork Many Lives Lived #76 this artwork made of Gouache on paper, created in 1970-01-01

Many Lives Lived #76 1970s

Artwork Tales of Navin 2 this artwork made of Synthetic polymer paint on canvas with timber frame, created in 2013-01-01

Tales of Navin 2 2013-15

Artwork Mahadev-Gaura this artwork made of Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, created in 2015-01-01

Mahadev-Gaura 2015

Artwork Naga Maedaw serpent this artwork made of Glazed porcelain, china paint, gold and mother of pearl lustre, created in 2018-01-01

Naga Maedaw serpent 2018

Artwork Untitled this artwork made of Mud, hay, pigment on plywood, created in 1999-01-01

Untitled 1999

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (Kaavad shrine) 2015

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (Buddha newspaper) 1998-99

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (buddha's toe) 1997-99

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (children) 2000

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (elephant sign) 2000

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (fruit baskets) 2000

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (lightbulb) 2000

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (monk and train) 2000

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (under the flyover #3) 1998-99

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (Rose) 2000

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled (speaker) 1997-99

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Ambika 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Damyanti Vanvaas 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Dattatreya 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Dhruvnarain 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Dhruvnarain 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Dhruvnarayan 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Droupadi-Sudeshna 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Ganpati 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Garud Wahan Vishnu 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Garud Wahan Vishnu 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Hans V Damyanti 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Laxmi 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Laxmi 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Laxmi 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Laxmi 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Laxmi

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Mohini 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Natraaj 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Padmini 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Rampanchapttan 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Ram Sagar Darp Haran 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Sarasvati 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Sarasvati 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Saraswati 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Shankar 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Sheshnarayan 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Sheshnarayan 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Sita Vanwaas 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Sri Bala Subrahmanya 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Sri Shanmukha Subra Mania Swami 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Tilotana 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Untitled 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Urvashi Pururavas 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Urvashi Pururavas 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Vishnu-Garud Wahan 1894 - 1930

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online

Vishwamitratopbhang 1894 - 1930

Artwork Akasa-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Akasa-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Akasa-devaloka (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Akasa-devaloka (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Ap-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Ap-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Ap-devaloka (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Ap-devaloka (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Irana-devaloka-manu-ja-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Irana-devaloka-manu-ja-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Prthivi-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Prthivi-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Prthivi-devaloka (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Prthivi-devaloka (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Prthivi-nanu-ja (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Prthivi-nanu-ja (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Tejas-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Tejas-bhumi (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Artwork Tejas-devaloka (from 'Shambala' portfolio) this artwork made of Photo-screenprint with offset text on hand-laid paper, created in 1974-01-01

Tejas-devaloka (from 'Shambala' portfolio) 1974

Related digital stories

Works by Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan and Natee Utarit installed at QAG for 'The God of Small Things', August 2025 / © The artists / Photograph: C Callistemon, QAGOMA
DIDACTIC

Introducing 'The God of Small Things'

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A large work rendered in black and grey tones installed on a white wall in a gallery space.

The God of Small Things

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An installation view of colourful clay figures in a gallery space
ESSAY

Sonabai's influence on Rajwar sculpture

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An oleograph print of a work by Raja Ravi Varma

VIDEO: Conserving Raja Ravi Varma oleographs

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