Creative Australia has unveiled the title and first details of Khaled Sabsabi’s presentation for the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, confirming a rare dual presence for the Australian artist in 2026.
In a historic first for an Australian representative, Sabsabi will present work both in the Australia Pavilion in the Giardini and within the Biennale’s main exhibition, In Minor Keys — a selection made through La Biennale di Venezia’s curatorial process. His Australia Pavilion presentation, curated by Michael Dagostino, is titled conference of one’s self and will run from 9th May to 22nd November 2026, exploring spirituality, migration and “the vastness of shared humanity.”
Sabsabi, whose practice spans more than 35 years, situates the work as part of an ongoing enquiry. “Conference of one’s self continues my poetic inquiry into spiritual and mundane journeys amidst commonality and difference,” he says, describing the presentation as “an invitation to move towards a transformation where collective emotions and experiences may meet.”
Across both Venice presentations, Sabsabi emphasises slowness and reflection. “Both works are an invitation to audiences to move through the spaces at their own pace, encountering shifts in ambiance, rhythm, and perception that encourage pause, listening, and reflection,” he says. “In these spaces, the possibility to come together and to contemplate our collective humanity emerges.”
Referencing his own background and long-standing collaboration with Dagostino — shaped by shared migrant experiences in Western Sydney — Sabsabi adds: “Western Sydney and Venice are home to diverse communities and migrant histories shaped by resilience, existence and coexistence. These histories have anchored the broader conceptual framework of these artworks.”
Dagostino frames the Pavilion work as both experiential and philosophical. “Khaled’s work physically welcomes the audience in a world that rejects fixed ideologies, embracing the Tasawwuf (Sufi) sensibility that everything flows and nothing remains static,” he says. He describes the works as “at once monumental and meditative,” continuing the artist’s decades-long pursuit to create “unifying work, balancing poetic resonance with profound respect.”
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Minister for the Arts Tony Burke called the announcement “another huge win for Australia,” noting: “This is the first time an Australian artist has been presenting simultaneously in the Australia Pavilion and in the main exhibition.”
Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette AM added: “We are proud to present Khaled Sabsabi… This presentation reaffirms Australia’s position as a respected participant in the global contemporary arts scene.”
Global Ambassador and Advocate Simon Mordant AO underscored the rarity of the moment: “In La Biennale di Venezia’s history of over 125 years there have only been a very few occasions where an artist has been represented in both a National Pavilion and the curated show.” He added: “It’s an honour to support Khaled Sabsabi, Michael Dagostino, the artistic team and Creative Australia… strengthening Australia’s cultural identity and dialogue with the world.”
Sabsabi also acknowledged the sector’s support through the project’s complex journey: “Michael and I would like to sincerely thank the Australian and International art sector for their continuous support throughout this journey… Through their support, I was able to create artworks that would resonate through Venice and beyond.”
The 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia runs from 9th May to 22nd November 2026. Additional details of Australia’s presentation will be announced closer to opening.
