Khaled Sabsabi show to go ahead after Monash University finishes ‘consultations'
An exhibition featuring works by Lebanese Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi that was called off by Monash University in March will open to the public next week, with the university announcing it had reversed its decision.
Monash University 'postponed' Stolon Press: Flat Earth at Monash University Museum of Art (Muma) in Melbourne in the wake of Sabsabi being dumped as Australia's representative at the 2026 Venice Biennale. It was the first time a show had been pulled in Muma's 50-year history.
The exhibition, originally scheduled to open on 8 May, includes large 'spiritual' calligraphic paintings by Sabsabi that he has made with Lebanese coffee and draw on his 'personal memories of his childhood in Lebanon during the civil war'.
At the time of the postponement, a spokesperson for Monash claimed 'consultation with our communities' had revealed that Muma needed 'to deepen its collaboration and engagement on this exhibition. Postponing the event will allow this important work to be undertaken.'
Sources told Guardian Australia they feared the timing indicated the decision had been influenced by federal arts body Creative Australia's cancellation of Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino's contract to represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale. That decision followed days of pressure from the Australian newspaper and Liberal politicians over Sabsabi's use of footage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in old works.
Sabsabi's participation in a mass boycott of the 2022 Sydney festival over the sponsorship of an event by the Israeli embassy was also singled out by the Australian, amid a wider increased scrutiny of public figures who criticised Israel's conduct in Gaza or spoke in support of Palestine after the start of the Israel-Gaza war.
Sabsabi has always fiercely rejected any claim that his work promotes antisemitism or terrorism, calling the suggestion 'disgusting'. Thousands of artists and art experts have called on Creative Australia to reverse its decision.
On Tuesday, Monash University confirmed Stolon Press: Flat Earth will open at Muma on 29 May, saying it was 'postponed by Monash University while the university conducted consultations with Monash students and community.'
Monash has so far not detailed the reasons why it needed to conduct consultations or why that required the postponement of an exhibition 18-months in the making.
The exhibition is curated by Stolon Press, a Sydney-based art and publishing collective run by Simryn Gill and Tom Melick, and also features works by writer and anthropologist Elisa Taber.
Days after Flat Earth was cancelled, Sabsabi told Guardian Australia Creative Australia's decision was 'dismantling' his career and impacting his wellbeing.
'Nobody should have to go through this torture,' he said. 'It's unfair and it's put on by Creative Australia and those people that made that decision … essentially gave the go-ahead to define me as somebody who I am not.'
Creative Australia said it sacked Sabsabi and Dagostino to avoid a 'prolonged and divisive debate' – but the decision provoked a storm of backlash in the art world, as well as a broader conversation about the pillorying of public figures who not only voiced criticism of Israel, but even those who spoke in support of Palestinians.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Farmer Wants A Wife fans left baffled after major 'editing fail' in a teaser for the Channel Seven show's upcoming episode
Farmer Wants A Wife fans have been left scratching their heads after a recent teaser exposed an editing fail. In the trailer, Farmer Jack, 26, could be seen enjoying a romantic black tie dinner date with two of his chosen matches, Olivia, 27, and Sarah, 29, at a dimly lit dinner table. However, fans were quick to point out that it was an editing fail, as there were four women on Jack's farm at the end of the previous episode. Fans also noted that there were four wine glasses on the table and only three people pictured. 'What happened? We didn't see Jack send anyone home and then we see the ad for tomorrow night,' one person wrote. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. In the trailer, Farmer Jack, 26, could be seen enjoying a romantic black tie date dinner with two of his chosen matches, Olivia, 27, and Sarah, 29, at the dinner table Another chimed in: 'No, Monique (black hair) was not at the black tie previews.' 'What happened to Jack farewelling his person? Did I miss something? Well done Channel 7 editing department,' one fan savagely penned. However, the network seemingly fixed the editing fail, with the latest trailer posted to Instagram showing Hayley, 23, in a bright pink dress at the city dinner. On Monday night's episode of Farmer Wants A Wife, Farmer Thomas came to the end of his emotional quest to find love. The South Australian wheat, barley, and lentil farmer, 35, declared his feelings for school teacher Clarette, 35. Realising that Clarette was the one, Thomas asked to speak with Rachael and Jess separately to tell them that Clarette had won his heart. Both ladies wished him well before leaving the farm together. Making his boldest move yet, Thomas left a handwritten note asking Clarette to meet him at sunset for an important conversation. Encircled by candles, Thomas locked eyes on Clarette and smiled as she walked towards him. The pair held hands before a nervous Thomas took a long, slow breath to steady himself. Thomas recalled the day the pair first met, saying, 'Clarette, when you walked into that room, my eyes just locked on you, and you took my hand, and that really meant a lot to me.' 'We've had our ups and downs, but we managed to get through them strong,' he continued, before telling Clarette how beautiful she looked. Thomas told Clarette she would make the most 'beautiful' wife and mother before delivering the words she had been waiting to hear. 'Clarette, I love you,' he declared in the moving moment. Wiping away tears, an emotional Clarette responded, 'I love you too. We're in love, it's official!' After confirming their bond Clarette said in a piece to camera, 'It feels amazing to be in love. 'It's what everyone kind of wants and hopes for in life, and it's been a long time coming for me. This is it for us, and I can't wait for our future.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Footy heartthrob Nicho Hynes' partner reveals intimate photos from their romance - as one pic leaves NRL fans absolutely STUNNED
Nicho Hynes' partner Piper Wallis has marked the couple's one-year anniversary with a romantic display on social media - but left fans confused by a photo of them holding a baby. Wallis, 23, posted a series of photos to Instagram recently celebrating the milestone and offering followers a surprising glimpse of their very private relationship. The montage included touching moments from the last year, including shots of them at the beach, attending a wedding and away on holidays together. Over the weekend, Wallis posted some more photos, including a shot of the couple holding a baby - which some fans thought was theirs. 'Can't believe you hid a whole pregnancy,' posted one follower. 'Congrats guys,' said another. 'So happy for the new parents,' posted a third. One of Piper's friends posted in the comments that her child loved meeting his 'aunty and uncle', confirming that the baby isn't theirs. Hynes, 28, has been single for most of his professional playing career and has been very private about his personal life, with the exception of his family. But he has been happy to share images and videos with his new partner, Piper. The star playmaker will be looking to turn things around for the Sharks who suffered a heavy defeat to the high-flying Warriors on the weekend. The loss, which sees the Sharks losing touch with the top four, comes after a 42-16 thumping against the Sydney Roosters. 'It's a simple game sometimes. If you don't get the simple and the hardest parts right then that's what happens to you,' said coach Craig Fitzgibbon. 'The second half, we can defend better than that and we will defend better than that and we need to defend better than that and we'll work on defending better than that.' Hynes said getting off social media and spending time with loved ones have been the secrets to his happiness this season. The 28-year-old is currently living with his girlfriend, best mate and mother - as well as his beloved dog. 'He doesn't give a s*** if I win or lose,' Hynes said of his four-legged buddy. 'I've got things in place where I don't need to be around negativity. 'I don't need nay-sayers in my life, I don't go on social media anymore, I just put myself around people who love me and I love.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Roxy Jacenko says she 'locked eyes' with Romeo Beckham in Italy as she reveals her fun new career move: 'Let's face it, I like them younger!'
Roxy Jacenko has certainly worn a few hats throughout her career - PR maven, author, public speaker, reality TV star and mum-of-two. Now Roxy, 44, has revealed another feather in her professional cap - a doyenne of table décor. On Tuesday, she launched a homewares edit of tableware and styling accents with one of her favorite stores, Provincial Home Living. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Roxy revealed that styling dining tables has been a long-held 'obsession'. 'I have always been obsessed with table décor, it's a running joke amongst friends and family that when I say "come over, its casual" I don't mean the table, that will be fully styled,' she said. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'The only casual part is that I'll be in a crop top and shorts and a pair of trainers! 'There is something so fabulous about dressing a table, the creative process of it is so fun – the mixing and matching between the crockery and napery through to flowers.' With a unique eye for table design sorted, the question is who would be the perfect guests to sit at one of Roxy's dinner parties? She said that PopMart founder Wang Ning, Kris Jenner, Ciara and 50 Cent would all earn a table setting, as well as Romeo Beckham - the son of football icon David Beckham and former Spice Girl Victoria. Roxy said she would love to sit down with Romeo again after the pair shared a fleeting moment in Italy last year. She swears she locked eyes with the 22-year-old while they were both holidaying on yachts. 'We were moored next to him in Porto Cervo, Italy last summer. He was on the family's superyacht Seven and I was holidaying on Liquid Sky. I am positive we locked eyes!' Roxy recalled. 'Let's face it, I like them younger and he just hasn't met me yet,' she jokingly added. Romeo might be disappointed however, with Roxy admitting that while she's a dab hand at laying a table, her kitchen game could use some work. She revealed that when it comes to tempting the family's taste buds, it's husband Oliver Curtis and the family's full-time chef that take charge. 'It's just not in my DNA,' she said. 'Oli loves to cook, it's his therapy being stuck with me I think. He always offers, but I am a weird eater and we have a full-time chef in Singapore who looks after the cooking for the household. Four people have four different meals – we are all difficult eaters! 'You will see Oli in the kitchen cooking for Hunter, but that's generally only breakfast post the boys' gym sessions, which they do at 6am every Saturday before heading to soccer of a weekend.' Roxy did admit to being quite the whiz with one dish in particular, adding the caveat that it too can turn to disaster. 'I can perfect microwaving my ready made meals from Chef Good when I am in Sydney for work, even then it's likely I'll burn my fingers. Better I stick to what I am good at – doing deals,' she said. She also weighed in on Carrie Bickmore's recent parenting hack that saw her serve spaghetti Bolognese directly onto the dinner table. While admitting the unusual approach to dinner time might have its advantages, when it comes to her brood Roxy will be sticking with plates. 'It takes my anxiety to new levels,' she said. 'Carrie is awesome and I take my hat off to her single parenting - it's hard. So if the kids will eat sans a plate I am all for it, less washing up really, so pretty savvy! Speaking about her collaboration with Provincial Home Living, Roxy said her edit was all about 'versatility' and affordability. 'The edit is about versatility. Not everyone has the opportunity to have a cupboard full of different plates and napery so I wanted an edit which could work in most homes,' she explained. 'But also something workable for day to day not just special occasions. 'Price was also an important factor. I wanted to make it accessible as there is so much out in the market which isn't within reach for many.' Roxy, an 18-year PR veteran, has certainly seen her fair share of table décor and she said that like most things trends have changed dramatically over the years. 'Being in PR for 18 years, eventing was a big part of it, most of my counterparts were all about a less is more vibe for brunch, lunch and dinner events,' she said. 'I came to the party with a more is more vibe. It was always about Instagram-ability for me, that's what got hits at events. Those events where you sat down and HAD to take a picture or two of your seat and the setting in front of you. '2025 is about a more relaxed, natural, and personalised aesthetic. We are a moving away from overly formal settings towards more relaxed, collected looks with mismatched pieces, natural materials and unique details.' Do 1. DO RSVP promptly and communicate dietary needs early: This is foundational for your host's planning. Let them know if you can attend by their deadline and clearly state any serious allergies or dietary restrictions well in advance. 2. DO bring a thoughtful host gift: A small token of appreciation, like a nice bottle of wine, gourmet chocolates or flowers. It shows gratitude for their effort. 3. DO be engaged in conversation and mingle: Put your phone away. Be present, ask questions, listen actively, and make an effort to chat with various guests, not just those you know. 4. DO compliment the host and the food sincerely: Express genuine appreciation for the meal and the effort put into hosting. A specific compliment about a dish or the atmosphere is always well-received. 5. DO Send a timely thank you: Follow up within a day or two with a text, email, or even better, a handwritten note, expressing your gratitude for their hospitality. DON'T 1. DON'T show up unannounced with a plus one: This is a major faux pas. Always clear any additional guests with your host beforehand. 2. DON'T arrive too early or too late (without communication): Aim for 10-15 minutes after the stated time. Arriving early stresses the host and being significantly late without warning is disrespectful. 3. DON'T criticise the food or décor, or make a fuss about preferences: Keep any negative opinions to yourself. If you have a strong preference (not an allergy), quietly adjust your plate or eat a smaller portion without drawing attention. 4. DON'T dominate conversations or bring up controversial topics: Avoid sensitive subjects like politics or religion. Keep the atmosphere light and pleasant, and ensure others have a chance to speak. 5. DON'T be glued to your phone: Your host has invited you to connect in person. Constant phone use signals disinterest and disrespect. Keep it out of sight.
