Khaled Sabsabi on His Two Venice Biennale Installations After Controversy

Lebanese-born, Sydney-based artist Khaled Sabsabi presents two installations at the 2026 Venice Biennale: "khalil" in the main exhibition "In Minor Keys" curated by Koyo Kouoh, and "conference of one's self" in the Australia Pavilion. The works use painting, sound, and moving image to explore identity and collectivity, drawing on Sufi teachings and Sabsabi's own life. Sabsabi was initially selected by Creative Australia to represent Australia but was dropped by the government over a 2007 video containing a blurred image of a former Hezbollah leader, leading to accusations of terrorism support and antisemitism. After public outcry and an independent review, he was reinstated. "khalil" is a 40-foot spiral canvas with projected light and color, while "conference of one's self" is an octagonal arrangement of eight paintings. Both works incorporate video and sound, creating optical illusions. Sabsabi, now 60, migrated to Australia in 1976 at age 11 due to the Lebanese civil war, which left him with PTSD. He was a hip-hop artist in the 1980s under the name Peacefender, backing the Beastie Boys and Ice Cube, before becoming a visual artist in 1998. The installations were made in Bangkok after Sabsabi dreamed of "khalil" while at the American Academy in Rome. He describes the works as exploring a "third space" beyond duality.