Full Story
Khaled Sabsabi never thought he’d be Australia’s pick for the Venice Biennale
Feb 7, 2025
Khaled Sabsabi, an award-winning artist from Western Sydney, reflects on his journey as a creative force exploring multiculturalism, racism, and Arab identity. Recently selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale, Khaled shares his thoughts on the significance of this honor. He delves into the challenges faced by artists amid societal stereotypes and the vital role of art in activism. His Lebanese roots and experiences in a diverse culture shape his work, emphasizing authenticity and resilience through art.
28:27
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Khaled Sabsabi's appointment as Australia's representative for the 2026 Venice Biennale represents a significant opportunity to challenge stereotypes surrounding multiculturalism and identity.
- Through his artistic practice, Sabsabi uses his personal experiences of trauma and racism to promote healing and advocate for marginalized communities.
Deep dives
Cultural Representation and Identity
Khaled Sapsabi’s work delves deeply into themes of multiculturalism, Arab identity, and the complexities of representation, particularly regarding Muslim and migrant communities in Australia. His appointment as Australia’s representative for the Venice Biennale in 2026 is viewed by him as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and convey the rich narratives of his experiences as a Lebanese migrant. This commitment to authenticity stems from his personal journey, including fleeing Lebanon during its civil war at a young age and facing racism upon settling in Australia. Through his art, Sapsabi intends to initiate critical conversations about identity and belonging in a multicultural society.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
