Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino to Represent Australia at Venice Biennale Amidst Controversy

Artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino are scheduled to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale, presenting two major works. Their participation follows a period of controversy surrounding their initial appointment, its subsequent revocation by Creative Australia, and their eventual reinstatement after an independent review. The upcoming presentation marks the first time an Australian artist will exhibit simultaneously in both the national pavilion and the Biennale’s main exhibition.

Australia's Representation at Venice Biennale

Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino are slated to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale, with their works scheduled for presentation beginning in May. This unique arrangement marks the first instance of an Australian artist exhibiting concurrently in both the national pavilion and the festival's curated main exhibition.

The Presented Works and Inspirations

The primary installation, titled "conference of one’s self," will be housed in the Australia Pavilion. Sabsabi describes this work as a multisensory experience intended to invite contemplation of shared humanity. A crowdfunded version of their initial Venice Biennale proposal will also be featured in the Biennale’s main exhibition. This second presentation was facilitated after the late artistic director Koyo Kouoh invited Sabsabi and Dagostino to participate.

Both works are interconnected and draw inspiration from "The Conference of the Birds," a 12th-century Tasawwuf allegorical poem by Farid al-Din Attar, which explores spiritual enlightenment.

Sabsabi's practice is influenced by Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam focusing on personal connection with the divine, and Tasawwuf philosophy, which emphasizes detaching from the ego to connect with universal humanity. Sabsabi has added an eighth level to the poem's traditional seven valleys, aiming to reflect on shared humanity and coexistence.

The works collectively explore themes of spirituality, migration, and the concept of the interconnected inner and outer self. The Pavilion work will include audio and visual components, utilizing light within the space. Production for the works involved collaboration with the local community in Western Sydney and was facilitated in Thailand by artist Abdul Abdullah.

Initial Revocation and Subsequent Reinstatement

Details regarding Australia’s Venice Biennale presentation emerged over a year after Creative Australia, the federal arts funding body, initially revoked Sabsabi’s commission. This decision followed criticism published in The Australian newspaper and discussions in a Senate debate concerning two of Sabsabi’s earlier artworks. Liberal senator Claire Chandler alleged these works promoted terrorism and antisemitism.

Creative Australia cited the need to avoid a "prolonged and divisive debate" as the reason for its initial retraction, which occurred less than a week after the initial announcement.

The decision prompted internal resignations within Creative Australia and received backlash from segments of the arts community. Sabsabi publicly stated that the experience negatively affected his wellbeing.

In July, Creative Australia reinstated Sabsabi and Dagostino after an independent review identified "missteps" in its initial decision-making process. Wesley Enoch, Creative Australia’s chair, apologized to the artist and curator for the distress caused, stating that Sabsabi’s work had been "mischaracterized." Adrian Collette, Creative Australia’s chief executive, expressed pride in presenting Sabsabi, noting that his work offers an optimistic portrayal of Australian identity on a global stage. This episode occurred amidst broader discussions regarding censorship and political interference in the arts sector.

Artist Background and Vision

Michael Dagostino confirmed that the original intent for their Biennale presentation remained unchanged, with the work evolving naturally. Sabsabi, who immigrated to western Sydney from Tripoli at age 12, has incorporated his experiences of Lebanon’s civil war and his identity as a migrant and Muslim into his 35-year art practice. His multimedia works often reflect on the destruction of war, challenge stereotypes, and aim to offer insights into the experiences of Muslims in Australia.

Sabsabi stated that his Venice Biennale works, while influenced by his spiritual practice, are intended to promote respect and acknowledgment of all faiths, fostering commonality. He described them as an invitation for all people to engage in moments of reflection and to cultivate curiosity.

Future Exhibitions

Following the Venice Biennale, one of Sabsabi's installations is scheduled for exhibition at the Samstag Museum of Art in Adelaide in March 2027. This exhibition is supported by a $100,000 Creative Australia grant. The team has expressed a hope to bring both Biennale installations to Adelaide.