Following Archie Moore’s Golden Lion win at the 2024 Venice Biennale, controversy erupted over the selection of Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino as representatives for 2026. Creative Australia initially announced them with enthusiasm, highlighting their cultural representation. However, backlash ensued after reports surfaced regarding Sabsabi's previous work, which featured controversial imagery including that of Hezbollah’s former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, raising concerns about national representation. The fallout may leave Australia without representation in the next Biennale, showcasing the precarious intersection of art, politics, and national identity.
Khaled Sabsabi's work, in collaboration with curator Michael Dagostino, reflects the diversity and plurality of Australia's rich culture, and will spark meaningful conversations with audiences around the world.
It had been smiles all round when Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino, as the chosen artist/curator team, turned up for a media call organised by Creative Australia in the western Sydney suburb of Granville.
Days later The Australian newspaper reported that two of Sabsabi's works, dating back almost 20 years, included imagery of Hassan Nasrallah-the deceased former Hezbollah leader who was classified as a terrorist, raising new concerns.
The Australian said Sabsabi had seemingly lauded a terrorist leader in his past work, leading to uproar and questions about his suitability to represent Australia.
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