More personalities of the Australian art world condemns the decision to cancel the Biennale project in Venice in Khaled Sabasabi – Artistic newspaper

The Biennial in Venice 2024 was a victory for Australia, where the original artist Archi Moore won the Golden Lion for the best national participation in his work Kith & Kin.

Now a ugly political catastrophe has transformed the honor to represent Australia in Biennial in Venice, coming into a poisoned Cup, and it seems that the Australian wing is likely to be dark and empty in 2026.

The Creative Governmental Agency ignited Australia a storm of anger and disbelief when, on February 7, its artist and coordinator for 2026, then after only six days, announced in exciting circumstances.

He was smiling all the time when Khaled Sabasabi and Michael Dagostino, as the artist/coordinator team, appeared to a media call organized by Australia’s creative in the West Sydney suburb in Granville. Sacaby and Dagosteno, famous and respected characters in Australian arts, descended from West Sydney.

“The work of Khaled Sabasabi, in cooperation with coordinator Michael Dagosto, reflects the diversity and multiplicity of rich culture in Australia, and will cause meaningful talks with the masses around the world,” said Creative Australia, in media briefing materials.

After days Australian The newspaper reported that two Sbasabi’s works, which date back to nearly 20 years, included pictures of Hassan Nasrallah – the former deceased Hezbollah leader who was classified as a terrorist – as well as clips to destroy the twin constellations on 9/11.

Australian “He apparently praised that he was a terrorist leader in his previous work,” Sacabe said, and the newspaper asked whether he should be Sacaby and Dagosteno, “the guardian of our nation’s reputation in this prestigious Biennial in Venice.”

In the Australian Senate, conservative Senator Claire Chandler, Foreign Minister Beni Wong, asked why an artist “highlights a terrorist leader” in Australia in Venice. Wong said it would make reports.

The next day, Colette issued a statement confirming the participation of Sacabe and Dagosteno. “The creative of Australia is a defender of the freedom of artistic expression, not a tight interpretation of art,” the statement said.

“However, the Board of Directors believes a long and divided discussion on the results of the choice of 2026, which is an unacceptable danger to the general support of the Australian technical community and can undermine our goal of combining Australians through art and creativity.”

Sabasabi and Dagosteno issued a statement indicating their harm and disappointment.

“We were intending to provide a transformative work in Venice, an experience that unites all the masses in an open and safe common space.”

No details were provided about the proposed work, but the statement said, “The technical team is still committed to presenting this work on a global platform and will seek to support society to achieve this.”

Support from the sector

The leading names for the support of SABSABI and Dagostino rushed, and Australia’s creative condemnation. Elizabeth Ann McGregor, former director of the Contemporary Art Museum, emphasized the risk of jumping to ideological conclusions without fully understanding artwork.

McGregor wrote: “The images and short descriptions of the artist cannot be transferred, especially when they are a paradox and multi -layer.” She added: “Thank you very muchThe video address that indicates September 11, is not the artist who applauds the attack, but is taken from the George W. Bush quote in the piece. “

Simon Mourdant, Mohsen, residing in Sydney, protested the Sacabe and Dagosteno axis by resigning from his role as an ambassador in Australia in Biennial, and withdrawing his financial support. He described the situation as “tragic chaos” and called for the dismissal of Colette and Creative Chairman of Australia, Robert Morgan.

“Khaled (Sabasabi) is a peaceful maker and a very thoughtful person,” said Moundant Australian financial review. “The suggestion is that it supports terrorism, racism, or anti -Semitism is a shame.”

Moore and Ely Potrose, the Secretary of the Secretary of the Golden Lion Wing, who won the lion last year, criticized this step. “We felt dismay when we learned that on February 13, the Creativity Council canceled Australia quickly and without a transparent process with Khaled Sabasabi and Michael Dagosteno,” they said in a statement.

All the five technical teams in the Creative Australia told Venice that they will refuse to spread the gun if presented to them. The National Association of Visual Arts in Australia condemned Australia’s creative decision, saying it was “driven by political pressure and distortion.”