Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino Not Reinstated as Australian Representatives at Venice Biennale

The decision to exclude Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino from representing Australia at the Venice Biennale has sparked significant controversy and backlash within the art community. Despite thousands of artists calling for their reinstatement, Creative Australia has maintained its position.

The chair of Creative Australia, Robert Morgan, and the executive director, Adrian Collette, announced at an all-staff meeting that the decision to cancel the Venice contract remains final. They cited the potential for public outcry as their reason.

With the Australian pavilion set to go empty for the 2026 event, this decision comes at a critical juncture for the country’s art scene. Last year, the Australian pavilion received critical acclaim, winning the coveted Golden Lion for Archie Moore’s “kith and kin” exhibition.

Artist and Curator Protest

Widespread opposition to the exclusion has emerged from within the art world. Artists and curators from all five shortlisted teams for the prestigious show have endorsed Sabsabi and Dagostino’s reinstatement. They have criticized Creative Australia’s decision, labeling it “antithetical to the goodwill and artistic independence” that is integral to the arts in Australia.

Adding to the opposition, thousands of artists have signed a petition advocating for the reassessment of the decision. The acclaim and support for the artists reveal a deep concern within the community about the future of Australian representation in global art events.

Controversial Work by Sabsabi

The controversy stems from a work by Khaled Sabsabi, titled “You,” which includes an image of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah. The work has been a point of contention for its portrayal of a figure later designated as a terrorist.

Created more than 20 years ago, “You” was gifted to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), where it has been exhibited only once. In 2009, during the MCA exhibition “Making it New: Focus on Contemporary Australian Art,” it garnered attention but did not cause significant controversy.

Artist’s Perspective

Ben Quilty, one of Australia’s leading artists, addressed the issue on ABC Radio National. He suggested that Sabsabi had become a casualty of broader political and social tensions. Quilty noted the work’s context, emphasizing that Nasrallah was a legitimate political leader at the time it was created.

“The artist becomes the soft underbelly, the litmus test, but the first to be brought down when elections need to be won,” Quilty said, highlighting the influence of political considerations on artistic freedom.

Museum of Contemporary Art’s Defense

The MCA director, Suzanne Cotter, has defended Sabsabi and his work. She stated there were no noted incidents during the exhibition’s two-month duration, emphasizing the work’s critical examination of the power of images and ideologies.

“Works of art are an expression of the times in which they were made. The heightened cultural tensions of the present should not determine the validity of a work of art created at another moment in time,” Cotter said in a statement to the Guardian.

Leadership Under Scrutiny

The decision to exclude Sabsabi and Dagostino also sparked questions about the leadership of Creative Australia. More than 100 staff members challenged Robert Morgan and Adrian Collette during an extensive meeting, questioning their suitability for their roles.

Adrian Collette clarified that he did not believe his position had become “untenable.” This response has not quelled the growing concerns over the organization’s decision-making process and its impact on artistic representation.

Broader Implications

The exclusion of Sabsabi and Dagostino signals a wider issue within the Australian arts community. It raises questions about the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility, especially in a context where political pressures can overshadow artistic merits.

As the 2026 Venice Biennale approaches, the empty Australian pavilion stands as a poignant symbol of the ongoing debate over the value of artistic independence and the role of art in challenging societal norms.

Conclusion

The exclusion of Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino from representing Australia at the Venice Biennale highlights a significant conflict between artistic freedom and societal expectations. It underscores the ongoing debate about the role of art in challenging and reflecting upon contemporary issues.

As the art community continues to grapple with this decision, one hopes that it will lead to a more nuanced understanding of the balance between artistic expression and political considerations.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this controversial decision. Your insights can help foster a more informed and inclusive dialogue about the future of art in Australia.

What are your thoughts on the decision? Share your comments below, and consider subscribing to our newsletter for more updates on art and culture.