Unfortunately, we are not going to see an Australian pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Disappointing for everyone, but that is what happens when you mix politics with art.
The choice of artist this year was Khaled Sabsabi (website), A Lebanese Australian that came to Australian during the civil war in Lebanon. Khaled started outy his early life as a Hip-Hop artist and then moved to the visual arts – video installations is his forte.
There has been a lot of ‘discussion’ about the decision of Creative Australia to rescind the awarding of the contract Khaled for the Australian Pavilion for the Venice Biennale. And, to be honest it is totally unwarranted. This is a political ‘frame job’ and is unwarranted. No doubt the aftermath of this will be a stronger appreciation of Khaled’s work.
I don’t think parliament is the correct arena for the discussion of art, and its pros and cons. Art is for the people and is always controversial. All throughout history there has been controversy. Look at Urinal by Duchamp, Or the reception of Impressionism which was controversial and don’t forget Abstract Impressionism. All these were controversial but are now highly sort after work.
Khaled’s work is in major Galleries in Australia, It speaks to our times and to Khaled’s experience, important features in all artists works. The works that got Khaled’s appointment rescinded are works of the times and are disputed by small minded people without, a knowledge of art and playing to raciall stereotypes.
It seems that if your a WASP or Jewish your in in this country, but if your Arab or from other Middle Eastern countries then your on the outer. No doubt there never will be a time when we live in harmony or peace as there is no will and a huge amount of hate in the world.
And I always say Remember to LOVE LIFE!! and we are not doing that at the moment!!