Creative Australia has announced the first details of Khaled Sabsabi’s presentation in the Australia Pavilion for the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Michael Dagostino.
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In a historic first for an Australian representative, as announced by La Biennale di Venezia, Sabsabi will also present a work in the Biennale Arte 2026’s main exhibition, In Minor Keys, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh. The selection of artists for participation in the main exhibition is made through a curatorial process managed by La Biennale di Venezia.

The presentation at the Australia Pavilion will be titled conference of one’s self and will be on exhibition from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The artwork explores spirituality, migration, and the vastness of shared humanity.

Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi brings over 35 years of practice engaged with experiences of spirituality, migration, displacement, and social justice. Sabsabi has worked with Dagostino on numerous projects over many years and their collaboration arises from shared migrant experiences in Western Sydney, one of Australia’s most culturally diverse areas.

Artist Khaled Sabsabi said:

“conference of one’s self continues my poetic inquiry into spiritual and mundane journeys amidst commonality and difference, the work is an invitation to move towards a transformation where collective emotions and experiences may meet.

“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. In these spaces, the possibility to come together and to contemplate our collective humanity emerges.

“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.

“After Michael and I were notified of the decision to withdraw our appointment to represent Australia at La Biennale di Venezia, I continued to produce the original Australia Pavilion work independently in Bangkok, with the support of the arts community. Before our reinstatement, Koyo Kouoh invited me to present this work in the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, In Minor Keys, as it did not yet have a home. Michael and I were later reinstated, with a second large-scale work, conference of one’s self, realised for the Australia Pavilion. Although the two works will be presented in different locations, they speak to one another and emerge from the same concept.

“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.”