Australian art has long depicted outlaws, Khaled Sabsabi's critics should remember. Let's start with Ned Kelly | Ella Barclay
Briefly

The controversy surrounding Khaled Sabsabi's depiction of Hassan Nasrallah in his work 'You' raises critical questions about art and representation. Despite calls for censorship from political figures, this situation highlights the historical precedent in Australian art for engaging with contentious subjects. Following the removal of Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino from the Venice Biennale project, a significant backlash ensued, resulting in resignations and funding retractions. The discourse not only centers on Sabsabi's artistic contributions but also reflects on Australia's broader artistic treatment of notorious figures, evoking examples like Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly series.
The backlash against Khaled Sabsabi's artwork highlighting a controversial figure like Nasrallah underscores the complex interplay between art, politics, and free expression.
In a landscape rich with representations of outlaws, artists like Sidney Nolan challenge narratives of violence and villainy, urging audiences to reflect on Australia's troubled history.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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