Khaled Sabsabi never thought he’d be Australia’s pick for the Venice Biennale
Feb 7, 2025
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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.
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.
Art as Therapy and Activism
For Sapsabi, art serves not only as a form of expression but also as a crucial tool for healing from trauma. His experiences growing up amidst civil war and racial discrimination inform his artistic practice, allowing him to process these past events while advocating for social change. He draws parallels between his roles as an artist and a community worker, underscoring how both positions allow him to confront issues of oppression and provide a voice for marginalized communities. His journey reflects a belief that art and activism are intertwined, as they both aim to evoke empathy and provoke action against injustice.
Influence of Place on Artistic Practice
Sapsabi highlights the importance of his roots in Western Sydney, a region often misunderstood and labeled as a 'cultural wasteland.' He asserts that living and working within a diverse community not only enriches his art but also helps foster a sense of belonging among others who share similar backgrounds. His narrative points to the struggles of navigating life as a migrant in a predominantly white society, emphasizing resilience and the need for cultural diversity to thrive. Through his commitment to remaining in and contributing to Western Sydney, Sapsabi seeks to reshape public perceptions and celebrate the richness of multiculturalism.
Western Sydney artist Khaled Sabsabi’s work spans more than 30 years, exploring themes of multiculturalism, racism, Arab identity and spirituality. After applying four times to the world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibition, he thought he had missed his chance. Until this week when Creative Australia announced Sabsabi as Australia’s representative for the 2026 Venice Biennale, alongside curator Michael Dagostino. Sabsabi tells Nour Haydar about his journey to becoming an artist, where he finds his inspiration, and navigating the current political climate You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport
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