Khaled Sabsabi : The Lock-Up

This self-titled exhibition offers the unique perspective of artist Khaled Sabsabi’s world. Informed by tasawwuf, also known as Sufism – a practice within Islam where the ordinary presents opportunities for moments of heightened spirituality – Sabsabi's work explores the symbiotic relationship between the individual and the collective.

Born in Tripoli, Lebanon, Sabsabi migrated with his family to Australia in late 1976 to escape the civil war. His teenage years were marked by a passion for music and film, drawing inspiration from funk music and artists like Prince, Eric B & Rakim, and Public Enemy. This fascination led him to create and perform his own music, becoming ingrained in Sydney’s hip-hop scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He later transitioned to creating visual art in the late 1990s but continues to integrate music and film into his work.

After 2001, following a period of self-reflection, Sabsabi embarked on a series of visits to his birthplace and neighbouring countries. These journeys inspired him to create work which explores the intersection of spiritual belief, culture, and politics.

This exhibition presents works produced over the past 12 years, serving as a personal map which delves into the intricate dynamics between the self and others, belief, devotion, and the possibilities for transcendence.

In this moment of a seemingly renewed global shift toward intolerance, this survey of artworks are displayed in conversation with one another, conveying a complex landscape of historical and personal experiences which express the apprehensions of an increasingly uncertain world. Visitors are invited to join Sabsabi on this profound journey of introspection and exploration.

In Conversation | Saturday 14 Sep 2:00PM
Khaled Sabsabi with Kon Gouriotis, Artist Profile Editor

Public Launch | Saturday 14 Sep 3:00 - 5:00pm

Artist Walkthrough | Saturday 28 Sep 2:00pm
Peacefender & TUNZ
Join the artist, together with his Hip Hop colleague, friend and graffiti artist TUNZ (Shane Kennedy) for this first-time exhibition collaboration between two Hip Hop and visual artists that have known each other for over 30 years.

ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair access via an entrance ramp. Acessible unisex toilets and accessible parking at the front of the venue. The majority of The Lock-Up is accessible to people with mobility issues.

ARTIST & COLLABORATORS
Artist: Khaled Sabsabi 
Instagram: @PeaceFender

Exhibition view of Khaled Sabsabi, 14 September – 24 November 2024, The Lock-Up, Muloobinba/Newcastle. Courtesy of the artist and Milani Gallery, Brisbane. Photograph: Ben Adams

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Khaled Sabsabi is presented by The Lock-Up and supported by Create NSW.