Backlash after Venice Biennale pavilion removes Lebanese artist
The artistic duo Michael Dagostino and Lebanese-born Khaled Sabsabi, have been banned from showcasing their work at the Australia Pavillion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, following a decision by Creative Australia announced on February 13th, according to The National.
The move follows controversy over a past video installation of Sabsabi’s. Criticism from local media and politicians was targeted at the 2007 video installation by Sabsabi that was donated to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Australia. The work features former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Sabsabi’s participation in the 2022 Sydney Festival boycott—protesting a reported sponsorship deal with the Israeli embassy—was also cited.
In response, the duo issued a statement to The Guardian Australia, calling the decision censorship.
“Art should not be censored as artists reflect the times they live in,” they said.
They added: “We intended to present a transformational work in Venice, an experience that would unite all audiences in an open and safe shared space. This reflects and builds on the work we have done for decades and will do for many more.”
“We believe in the vision of artists for an inclusive future that can bring us together to communicate and progress our shared humanity.”
Despite this decision, the artists contend that the Australian art world will not dim nor be silent.
They also said: “The artistic team is still committed to presenting this work on a global platform and will seek community support to make this happen.”
Several prominent Australian artists, including Hayley Millar Baker, James Nguyen, and Tina Baum, who are shortlisted to show their work at the pavilion, condemned the decision in a joint letter.
“[R]evoking support for the Australian artist and curator representatives for Venice Biennale 2026 is antithetical to . . . artistic independence, freedom of speech, and moral courage,” they wrote.
The Lock-Up, a well-known Australian artist-in-residence programme, also criticised the move on Instagram.
The organisation highlighted Sabsabi’s focus on themes of peace, connection, inclusivity and elevation and warned that this decision could harm Australia’s creative relationships both nationally and internationally.
Creative Australia defended its decision to remove the duo, claiming the decision was unanimous. The body said that while it supports artistic freedom, an extended debate over the 2026 selection posed a risk to public support for the arts in Australia which could undermine its mission of uniting Australians through art and creativity.
The body also announced plans to review the selection process for next year’s Venice Biennale.
Born in Tripoli and now based in Sydney, Sabsabi moved to Australia in 1978 after Lebanon’s civil war began.
He started as a hip-hop performer before transitioning to sound and visual installation. His work has been showcased at the Sharjah Biennial, the Marrakesh Biennale, and Shanghai Zendai’s Museum of Modern Art.
The National
