Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi will present two major installations at the 2026 Venice Biennale. At the Australia Pavilion, he unveils "conference of one’s self," an immersive multisensory work featuring eight monumental canvas paintings, video projections, and a soundscape inspired by a 12th-century Sufi allegory. Simultaneously, he becomes the first Australian artist to also exhibit in the International Exhibition, titled "In Minor Keys" curated by Koyo Kouoh, with a second installation called "khalil" at the Arsenale. Both works explore spirituality, migration, and shared humanity through a framework of Sufi thought.
This dual presentation marks a historic milestone for an Australian artist at the Venice Biennale, signaling Australia's growing prominence in global contemporary art. Sabsabi's focus on spiritual inquiry and cross-cultural dialogue offers a contemplative counterpoint to contemporary global turmoil, emphasizing empathy and collective experience. The installations also highlight the multicultural character of modern Australia and demonstrate how art can bridge cultural, linguistic, and spiritual divides.