Khaled Sabsabi's Dual Presentation at the Venice Biennale: A Journey of Resilience and Reflection

Khaled Sabsabi, a Lebanese-born Australian artist, will represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale with two significant installations: one in the Australia Pavilion titled *conference of one’s self* and another in the main exhibition, *In Minor Keys*. This marks a historic first for an Australian artist to exhibit simultaneously in both venues.

Creative Australia Reveals Khaled Sabsabi's Venice DebutABC News AustraliaKhaled Sabsabi—who had his Australia Pavilion cancelled and reinstated—will also exhibit in main Venice Biennale showThe Guardian

Sabsabi's journey to the Biennale has been tumultuous. Initially appointed in February 2025, he was dismissed just days later due to political backlash and concerns regarding his past artworks, which some critics claimed promoted terrorism and antisemitism. Following significant outcry from the arts community and an independent review that identified missteps in the decision-making process, Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino were reinstated in July 2025.

The Guardian

Sabsabi's works are deeply influenced by his Sufi Muslim background, exploring themes of spirituality, migration, and shared humanity. The installation in the Australia Pavilion invites audiences to reflect on their collective experiences, drawing inspiration from the 12th-century Sufi allegory *The Conference of the Birds* by Farid al-Din Attar. Sabsabi describes the work as a multisensory experience that encourages contemplation and connection among diverse communities.

ABC News Australia

Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette expressed pride in presenting Sabsabi's work, highlighting its potential to showcase an optimistic vision of Australian identity on the global stage. Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, emphasized the significance of Sabsabi's dual representation, marking a notable achievement for Australian art. Sabsabi himself stated, “The aim was always to make the work; how it will manifest and where it will be shown can all fall into place if it's meant to be.”

The Guardian

Despite the reinstatement, Sabsabi's appointment has not been without controversy. Critics, including Liberal senator Claire Chandler, have raised concerns about his past works, leading to accusations of censorship within the arts community. Simon Mordant, a global ambassador for Australia’s participation in the Biennale, noted that Sabsabi faced "obliteration" as an artist due to the initial cancellation, but he is now poised to be celebrated for his contributions.

The Guardian

The Venice Biennale will run from May 9 to November 22, 2026. Following the Biennale, Sabsabi's works are expected to be featured in an exhibition at the Samstag Museum of Art in Adelaide in March 2027, further extending the reach of his artistic message.

ABC News AustraliaCreative Australia Reveals Khaled Sabsabi's Venice DebutThe GuardianKhaled Sabsabi—who had his Australia Pavilion cancelled and reinstated—will also exhibit in main Venice Biennale show

• “It’s an invitation for all people, regardless of faith, ethnic, ethnicity, religion, to come in and have these moments of reflection,” — Khaled Sabsabi, Artist

The Guardian

• “Sabsabi’s work offers a timely and critical opportunity to showcase an optimistic vision of Australian identity on the world stage,” — Adrian Collette, CEO of Creative Australia

The Guardian

• “But Khaled is someone who tries to bring communities together.” — Simon Mordant, Global Ambassador for Australia’s participation in the Biennale

Khaled Sabsabi—who had his Australia Pavilion cancelled and reinstated—will also exhibit in main Venice Biennale show

Sabsabi's dual presentation at the Venice Biennale not only highlights his resilience in the face of adversity but also serves as a powerful reminder of the role of art in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

The Guardian