Artist appointed, axed then reinstated from Venice Biennale triumphs
Khaled Sabsabi faced controversy after being appointed, dismissed, and then reinstated to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Despite the turmoil, he made history by presenting work in both the Australia Pavilion and the Biennale's main exhibition, In Minor Keys. His installations, created amid political and institutional backlash, reflect resilience and artistic commitment.
- ▪Khaled Sabsabi is the only Australian artist to present work in both a national pavilion and the Venice Biennale's main exhibition in the event's 131-year history.
- ▪Sabsabi was initially appointed to represent Australia, then dismissed following political controversy over a past artwork, before being reinstated.
- ▪The controversy originated from Senator Claire Chandler's claim that Sabsabi's 2007 artwork You 2007 could worsen anti-Semitism, leading to a crisis meeting by Creative Australia.
- ▪Sabsabi created his Biennale works, including the 40-metre painting khalil, in Abdul Abdullah's studio in Bangkok after his dismissal.
- ▪No awards were given at the 2026 Venice Biennale after the international jury unanimously resigned in late April.
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Khaled Sabsabi's new installations 'didn't have a home'. Now they're at the Venice BiennaleBy Tim StoneABC ArtsTopic:Contemporary ArtSun 17 May 2026 at 4:30amSun 17 May 2026 at 4:30amSun 17 May 2026 at 4:30amKhaled Sabsabi has had a rocky road to the Venice Biennale, where two of his artworks are on display. (Supplied: Andrea Rossetti)abc.net.au/news/venice-biennale-khaled-sabsabi-conference-of-ones-self-khalil/106674226Link copiedShareShare articleKhaled Sabsabi could be excused for feeling a little daunted about the opening of his latest installation.The Lebanese Australian artist brings conference of one's self to the Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, two years after Kamilaroi Bigambul artist Archie Moore won the art event's top prize, the Golden Lion for best national…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).