The press preview of this year's Sydney Biennale was missing something - its artistic director.
The press were there, there was art to preview but Hoor Al Qasimi was conspicuous by her absence.
A spokesperson for the event told the Australian media it was "a deliberate curatorial choice" and an attempt to ensure the artists took "center stage". If so, it failed.
It is not the first time Al Qasami, the director of the Sharjah Art Foundation and member of the emirate's ruling family, has made headlines in Sydney.
There were calls for her to be dropped on account of her pro-Palestinian views and now her absence has sparked speculation about why she missed the launch.
The exhibition spokesperson said it was not related to the recent intensification of conflict in the Middle East, saying she "remains deeply engaged in her role as artistic director and will continue to participate in the biennale program in ways that best serve the exhibition and foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for our audiences".