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Friday, Mar 14, 2025
Outside the box.
Australian Artists Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino Removed from Venice Biennale Representation
Controversy surrounds decision by Creative Australia after public backlash regarding artist's previous works.
Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino, selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale, have had their appointments rescinded by Creative Australia, the federal government's arts funding body.
This decision follows reports highlighting controversial themes in Sabsabi's earlier artwork, which includes depictions of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah, and imagery related to the 9/11 attacks.
On August 1, 2023, Sabsabi and Dagostino were officially announced as the representatives for the 2026 Biennale, a prestigious event in contemporary art.
However, shortly after their selection, The Australian newspaper published an article detailing Sabsabi's prior works, prompting public scrutiny and criticism.
In a late statement on August 3, Creative Australia announced a unanimous decision to revoke the duo's appointment.
The board emphasized its commitment to artistic freedom but expressed concerns that ongoing debate about the selection could threaten public support for Australia’s artistic community.
"Creative Australia is an advocate for freedom of artistic expression and is not an adjudicator on the interpretation of art," the organization stated.
However, it added that the current situation posed an unacceptable risk to its objectives of fostering unity through art.
In response, Sabsabi and Dagostino expressed their disappointment, highlighting their intention to present an inclusive and transformative work that would engage audiences at the Biennale.
They articulated their belief that art should not be censored and emphasized the role of artists in reflecting societal issues.
Subsequently, all five artist-curator teams shortlisted for Australia's Pavilion at the Biennale issued a joint statement in support of Sabsabi and Dagostino.
They asserted the duo was selected through a rigorous open-call process led by industry experts, characterizing the decision to revoke their appointment as contrary to the principles of artistic independence and freedom of expression that are vital to Australia's democratic fabric.
Sabsabi, who migrated from Lebanon to Australia in 1978, has achieved recognition in the Australian arts landscape, including the 2023 Creative Australia Award and a 2024 Fellowship to Rome.
His works are included in reputable collections such as the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.
Notably, a 2007 video installation displays Sabsabi's complex engagement with Nasrallah's imagery.
The announcement to rescind Sabsabi and Dagostino's appointment followed public comments from lawmakers, including Liberal senator Claire Chandler, who questioned the appropriateness of Sabsabi's representation at the Biennale given the nature of his past artworks.
Creative Australia has stated it will reevaluate the selection process for future Biennale representatives, indicating the ongoing need to balance artistic expression with public sentiment.
This decision follows reports highlighting controversial themes in Sabsabi's earlier artwork, which includes depictions of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah, and imagery related to the 9/11 attacks.
On August 1, 2023, Sabsabi and Dagostino were officially announced as the representatives for the 2026 Biennale, a prestigious event in contemporary art.
However, shortly after their selection, The Australian newspaper published an article detailing Sabsabi's prior works, prompting public scrutiny and criticism.
In a late statement on August 3, Creative Australia announced a unanimous decision to revoke the duo's appointment.
The board emphasized its commitment to artistic freedom but expressed concerns that ongoing debate about the selection could threaten public support for Australia’s artistic community.
"Creative Australia is an advocate for freedom of artistic expression and is not an adjudicator on the interpretation of art," the organization stated.
However, it added that the current situation posed an unacceptable risk to its objectives of fostering unity through art.
In response, Sabsabi and Dagostino expressed their disappointment, highlighting their intention to present an inclusive and transformative work that would engage audiences at the Biennale.
They articulated their belief that art should not be censored and emphasized the role of artists in reflecting societal issues.
Subsequently, all five artist-curator teams shortlisted for Australia's Pavilion at the Biennale issued a joint statement in support of Sabsabi and Dagostino.
They asserted the duo was selected through a rigorous open-call process led by industry experts, characterizing the decision to revoke their appointment as contrary to the principles of artistic independence and freedom of expression that are vital to Australia's democratic fabric.
Sabsabi, who migrated from Lebanon to Australia in 1978, has achieved recognition in the Australian arts landscape, including the 2023 Creative Australia Award and a 2024 Fellowship to Rome.
His works are included in reputable collections such as the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.
Notably, a 2007 video installation displays Sabsabi's complex engagement with Nasrallah's imagery.
The announcement to rescind Sabsabi and Dagostino's appointment followed public comments from lawmakers, including Liberal senator Claire Chandler, who questioned the appropriateness of Sabsabi's representation at the Biennale given the nature of his past artworks.
Creative Australia has stated it will reevaluate the selection process for future Biennale representatives, indicating the ongoing need to balance artistic expression with public sentiment.
