Lebanese-Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi, known for his politically charged and spiritually introspective works, has been selected to represent Australia at the prestigious Venice Biennale. Sabsabi will collaborate with curator Michael Dagostino to present a project exploring themes of identity, representation, and Australia's compassionate nature.
Khaled Sabsabi , a Western Sydney artist who fled Lebanon's civil war as a child, has been selected to represent Australia at the 61st Venice Biennale , the world's oldest and most prestigious contemporary art exhibition. Sabsabi, who expressed shock at being chosen, particularly in the current political climate, said his work often explores themes of representation, identity, and breaking stereotypes, particularly within the Australia n context of Muslims and Arabs.
He will collaborate with curator Michael Dagostino for the exhibition. Sabsabi's art spans over 35 years and encompasses various media, from acrylic paint and oil sticks on paper to large-scale immersive installations incorporating sound, scents, and video. Recurring themes in his work include his traumatic experience fleeing Tripoli, Sufism, multiculturalism, and Arab identity in the West. Sabsabi's past installations, such as 'Fuck Off We're Full' and 'Naqshbandi Greenacre Engagement,' have delved into the complexities of religion, spirituality, and social commentary. He also experienced threats after boycotting the Biennale in 2017 due to its sponsorship deal with the Israeli embassy, highlighting his strong stance on Palestinian rights and self-determination. Dagostino, who previously served as the founding director of Parramatta Artists Studios and is currently the director of Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, emphasized the importance of showcasing Australia's welcoming and compassionate nature through their art. While the specifics of their Venice Biennale project remain undisclosed, Sabsabi and Dagostino aim to use the platform to represent the experiences and voices of Western Sydney and its migrant communities on a global stage
Khaled Sabsabi Venice Biennale Australia Art Representation Identity Politics Migrant Experience Western Sydney
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