Cancelled, then reinstated. Now this artist is set to make history at Venice

Sydney Morning Herald

by Linda Morris

February 25, 2026

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Cancelled, then reinstated. Now this artist is set to make history at Venice

Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino are making history at the Venice Biennale, marking a remarkable comeback after being initially canceled due to political controversy. The artistic duo will be the first Australians to feature in both the Australia Pavilion and the main exhibition, *In Minor Keys*, a dual honor that has only been achieved by three other artists in 125 years of the prestigious event. This achievement not only cements their place as trailblazers in the global art world but also highlights the growing international recognition of Australian art. The journey to this milestone was anything but smooth. Sabsabi, who is originally from Lebanon and currently in exile, faced backlash last year when his appointment as Australia’s representative was abruptly terminated due to concerns over his outspoken views on Gaza. The decision sparked widespread condemnation, with prominent figures like Archie Moore, Australia’s first Golden Lion winner, denouncing it as censorship. Amid the turmoil, Sabsabi and Dagostino found solace in grassroots support, launching a crowdfunding campaign to fund their work independently. Their resilience paid off when Venice’s chief curator, Koyo Kouoh, personally intervened to ensure their inclusion, bypassing national debates. After a thorough review of Creative Australia’s handling of the situation, which revealed significant missteps and poor crisis management, Sabsabi was officially reinstated. His work will now be showcased at Venice’s Arsenale, alongside a second, interconnected piece for the Australia Pavilion, exploring themes of spirituality, migration, and shared humanity. This dual representation is not just a technical feat but also a testament to their artistic vision and ability to navigate cultural and political challenges. The significance of this achievement extends beyond individual recognition. It challenges the notion

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026