Australia at the Venice Biennale

Casa
Italia
Venice
Australia at the Venice Biennale

MARCO FUSINATO

AUSTRALIAN PAVILION
59TH INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITION
LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA
23 APRIL - 27 NOVEMBER 2022

01/06/2026

‘The guiding principle of ‘conference of one’s self’ is the interconnectedness of the inner and outer self. The exhibition takes inspiration from the 12th-century Tasawwuf (Sufi) allegory The Conference of the Birds, by Farīd al-Dīn ʿAṭṭār which recounts an arduous pilgrimage resulting in a cathartic realisation: that the divine exists within the seekers themselves. By transforming the Pavilion into an immersive, multisensory encounter, Khaled invites visitors to reflect upon a shared human unity.’

– Michael Dagostino curator for Australia’s presentation at the 61st International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia.

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Image: Khaled Sabsabi, 'conference of one’s self', 2026, Australia Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia. Photo: Andrea Rossetti. Courtesy the artist and Milani Gallery

29/05/2026

Congratulations to Khaled Sabsabi in a major historic first for an Australian artist, in simultaneously presenting artworks in the Australia Pavilion with ‘conference of one’s self’ in the Giardini and ‘khalil’ in La Biennale di Venezia’s main exhibition, 'In Minor Keys'.

'Although the two works are presented in different locations across the Biennale, they speak to one another and emerge from the same philosophical inquiry. They are one body with two limbs, and together they explore the relationship between inner and outer experience, inviting audiences to reflect on the shared human values of compassion and kindness that connect us.

Michael and I are deeply grateful to the Australian and international arts community for their ongoing support throughout this journey. That support made it possible to realise
works we hope will resonate with audiences in Venice and beyond.'

- Khaled Sabsabi artist for Australia’s presentation at the 61st International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia

Image:
Khaled Sabsabi, 'khalil', 2026. 8 channel HD video installation with audio, 40 x 2.8 metre acrylic paint on canvas, steel, black oud scent, 64 minutes. Photo: Andrea Rossetti. Courtesy the artist and Milani Gallery Brisbane, Australia.

12/05/2026

‘conference of one’s self’ invites visitors to choose their own path through the threshold, embodying the Tasawwuf idea that the inner and outer, the seen and unseen, are always in fluid relationship.

The thresholds draw from a ceremonial textile tradition called a Sanjak considered spiritual entities and shaped by ritual use and communal significance. These have been produced in collaboration with two practitioners from the Multicultural Women’s Hub an initiative founded at Arts & Cultural Exchange, Parramatta echoing the artist’s ongoing collaboration and work with Western Sydney communities.

Image: Khaled Sabsabi, ‘conference of one’s self’, 2026, Australia Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia. Photo: Andrea Rossetti. Courtesy the artist and Milani Gallery

06/05/2026

We warmly congratulate Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino on the opening of their presentation ‘conference of one’s self’ at the Australia Pavilion for the International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia.

Khaled Sabsabi uses moving image, sound, painting, and installation to explore human collectiveness, the complexities of identity politics, and the impact of ideology. Informed by his lived experience and tasawwuf (Sufi) lineage and spiritual teachings, he uses repetition, rhythm and duration throughout his practice as tools for engagement and contemplation. Sabsabi says, ‘I firmly believe that a shared humanity has always relied upon our sense of imagination. I make art that creates possibilities to push limits and question perceptions of who we are.’

Exhibition dates: May 9 – November 22 2026

Read the full release here:
https://creative.gov.au/news-events/news/australian-artist-khaled-sabsabi-reveals-details-presentations-australia-pavilion

Khaled Sabsabi presents ‘conference of one’s self’, curated by Michael Dagostino at the Australia Pavilion, located in the Giardini della Biennale, as a part of the Biennale Arte 2026, commissioned by Creative Australia Creative Australia.
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Image: Khaled Sabsabi, ‘conference of one’s self’, 2026, Australia Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia. Photo: Andrea Rossetti. Courtesy the artist and Milani Gallery

02/05/2026

Join the 2026 Australia Pavilion Artistic Team, artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino, in Venice for a special program on Friday 8 May at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia ✨

The Gathering brings together a curatorial introduction, an in-conversation with the artist featuring curator and writer Kathryn Weir, and a presentation by art historian Claire Dillon connecting themes of spirituality and Islamic visual culture.

The Gathering
📍 Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Venice
📅 Friday 8 May 2026
🕔 10–11.30am (CEST)
🔗Register via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/artist-talk-the-gathering-tickets-1988140632150?aff=oddtdtcreator

This program supports Khaled Sabsabi’s presentation at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.

The Gathering is presented by Commissioner Creative Australia in collaboration with Education Partner UNSW Sydney.

.australia
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Image: Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino in conversation at the Gathering, Parramatta Town Hall. Photo: Garry Trinh

15/04/2026

Portrait of an Artist - read the full cover story by Katrina Strickland in the Good Weekend

Read the full story here
https://www.smh.com.au/national/i-gave-up-being-reactionary-a-long-time-ago-how-khaled-sabsabi-weathered-a-political-firestorm-20260401-p5zkjv.html

10/04/2026

Meet our 2026 Cultural Mediators ✨

As part of our participation in the 2026 Venice Biennale, our cultural mediators will welcome, guide, and connect international visitors with Khaled Sabsabi’s ‘conference of one’s self’, curated by Michael Dagostino.

Designed to provide meaningful professional development opportunities, this year we invited applications from front-of-house and public engagement practitioners to gain hands-on experience at the Australia Pavilion.

From May to November, our Attendant Managers and Pavilion Attendants will be based in Venice and serving as the vital link between the exhibition and its international global audiences—fostering thoughtful conversations and creating space for exchange.

The Cultural Mediation program is delivered in partnership with The University of Queensland Art Museum .

✨Attendant Managers:
Lisa Fuller, QLD
Gala Jane Hazell, VIC
Natalie O'Connor, NSW

✨Pavilion Attendants:
Jordan Azcune, QLD
Nur Aishah Abdullah Farid Kenton, VIC
Charlie Komšić, NSW
Joshua Purvis, NSW
Lucy Wilson, VIC

🔗 Check out the link for more information! https://brnw.ch/21x1t7L

30/03/2026

APPLY NOW – join our Biennale Delegates Program 2026!

This funded professional development program returns in 2026 as a distinctive initiative fostering creative exchange and critical dialogue across global art platforms. This iteration focuses on early-career arts and creative practitioners working in the Australian visual arts sector—including curators, writers, artists, producers, technicians and project managers.

Developed and delivered by Creative Australia in a hybrid format, eight participants representing each state and territory, will engage in a program of online and in-person opportunities with sector leaders, offering peer-to-peer learning, and access to Australian and international biennales—including the Biennale of Sydney and Venice Biennale. This immersive approach deepens understanding of curatorial practice, cultural mediation, audience engagement, and the future-facing conversations shaping the arts.

👉Apply by 3pm (AEST), 28 April 2026
🔗Find out more at https://creative.gov.au/venice-biennale/development-opportunities/biennale-delegates-program
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The Biennale Delegates Program is a co-investment initiative with Create NSW, ArtsACT, Arts Tasmania, Arts Queensland, Create SA, Arts NT, and The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (WA) and is philanthropically supported by the Cross Family Foundation.

Image credit: Vernissage, Australia Pavilion, Venice, 2024. Credit: Luca Fazzolari

25/02/2026

Khaled Sabsabi presents 'conference of one’s self', curated by Michael Dagostino at the Australia Pavilion as a part of the Biennale Arte 2026, commissioned by Creative Australia.

Artist is represented by Milani Gallery, Brisbane.

Exhibition dates: 9 May - 22 November 2026.

Find out more: https://creative.gov.au/news-events/news/creative-australia-announces-title-and-first-details-khaled-sabsabis-presentation

03/07/2025

Creative Australia releases external review. Full review available here:

https://creative.gov.au/news-events/news/creative-australia-releases-external-review

Indirizzo

Giardini
Venice
36040

Sito Web

https://creative.gov.au/advocacy-and-research/events/australia-at-the-venice-biennale/

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