Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino to Represent Australia at 2026 Venice Biennale
A multimedia installation titled "conference of one's self" opens at the Australian pavilion, following a period of controversy and reinstatement.
The Biennale runs from May to November 2026, with the public opening scheduled for May 9.
The Installation
The Australian pavilion features eight large panels combining painting and video, with changing brightness and color and a soundscape created from an audio recording made in western Sydney. The work has no fixed entry or exit, with Sabsabi describing it as "open and inclusive."
The installation draws inspiration from "The Conference of the Birds," a 12th-century Tasawwuf (Sufi) allegorical poem by Farid al-Din Attar. Sabsabi has added an eighth level to the poem's seven valleys, aiming to reflect on shared humanity and coexistence.
Sabsabi's art practice is significantly influenced by Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. The works collectively explore themes of spirituality, migration, and interconnectedness.
Dagostino stated that the original intent for their presentation remained unchanged, with the work evolving naturally. Production took place in Thailand, facilitated by artist Abdul Abdullah, with collaboration from the local community in Western Sydney.
Companion Work in Main Exhibition
Sabsabi is the first Australian artist to exhibit simultaneously in both the national pavilion and the main exhibition.
Sabsabi also has a companion work in the main exhibition, curated by Koyo Kouoh, who died in May 2025. A crowdfunded version of their initial Venice Biennale proposal was included after Kouoh invited Sabsabi and Dagostino to participate following Creative Australia's initial decision to rescind their appointment.
Only three other artists have exhibited in both sections historically.
Funding
The Australian pavilion is funded by the federal government and private donors, including the Turnbull Foundation.
Controversy and Reinstatement
In early February 2025, six days after Sabsabi and Dagostino were chosen, Creative Australia revoked the selection following criticism from media and Liberal Party figures alleging the artist supported Hezbollah.
Liberal senator Claire Chandler alleged that two of Sabsabi's earlier artworks promoted terrorism and antisemitism. The controversy occurred in the lead-up to the federal election.
The revocation prompted internal resignations and backlash from the arts community.
In July 2025, Creative Australia reinstated Sabsabi and Dagostino after an independent review identified "missteps" in its initial decision.
Creative Australia chair Wesley Enoch apologized to the artist and curator for the distress caused, acknowledging that Sabsabi's work had been "mischaracterized." Enoch stated that the decision to revoke the selection was unfair.
Adrian Collette, Creative Australia's chief executive, expressed pride in presenting Sabsabi, stating that his work offers an optimistic portrayal of Australian identity on a global stage.
Artist's Background
Khaled Sabsabi was born in northern Lebanon in 1965 and arrived in Australia at age 12. He has incorporated his experiences of Lebanon's civil war and his identity as a migrant and Muslim into his 35-year art practice.
The 2007 work that sparked controversy included a video of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, with a contemporary description mentioning "divine illumination" around him. Sabsabi stated he does not support hate-based violence and described the 2007 work as commenting on propaganda and ideology, not as endorsing Hezbollah.
Statements
- Wesley Enoch noted that arts organizations need to be prepared for political controversy and that the law should be the benchmark for free speech.
- Malcolm Turnbull, former prime minister, said the criticism of Sabsabi amounted to "demonising Muslims" and played into the hands of extremists.
- Philanthropist Penelope Seidler said art should not be silenced and called the revocation "internationally embarrassing."
- Art curator Michael Brand stated the works were "magnificent" and would erase external noise.
- Former MCA director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor described the work as "beautiful" and "meditative."
- Sabsabi, at the exhibition launch, expressed empathy for victims of war in the Middle East, calling conflicts "unjust and inhumane."
Broader Context
The incident is part of broader debates over free speech and political protests in Australian arts.
Related cases have involved Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and Adelaide Writers Festival.
This year's Biennale also faced controversy over the inclusion of Russia and Israel, with the jury resigning over the issue. The Russian pavilion was open for the preview but will not remain open; the Israeli pavilion appeared closed. The Golden Lion award will be replaced by a popular vote from visitors.
Future Exhibitions
Following the Venice Biennale, one of Sabsabi's installations is scheduled for an exhibition at the Samstag Museum of Art in Adelaide in March 2027, supported by a $100,000 Creative Australia grant.
The Australian pavilion at the Venice Biennale runs until November 2026.