African Art Curator Koyo Kouoh Takes Reigns at Venice Biennale

At the tender age of 58, globetrotting Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh has unexpectedly parted ways with us. Her departure leaves us in "deep sorrow and shock," a statement from the Biennale of Venice sadly declared. Kouoh was scheduled to lead the 61st International Art Exhibition in Venice in 2026, a prestigious role that made her the first African woman ever to hold this esteemed position.

Kouoh was nominated for the position by the Biennale's Board of Directors, who praised her "passion, rigor, and vision" in their announcement. The unveiling of the 61st edition's title and theme was set for May 20, 2025, in Venice. The statement also highlighted Kouoh's extraordinary "intellectual and human commitment."

Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and the vast community of artists, curators, and scholars who had the privilege of knowing and admiring her.

Kouoh blazed a trail in the international art scene, earning acclaim for her unwavering dedication to promoting contemporary African art. Since 2019, she served as the executive director and chief curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz Mocaa) in Cape Town, South Africa.

Born in Douala, Cameroon, on January 1, 1967, Kouoh's life story took a global turn at the age of 13, when her family moved to Zurich, Switzerland. This cross-cultural journey significantly shaped her curatorial vision and her relentless pursuit of showcasing contemporary African art on the world stage.

Groundbreaking Exhibitions and Accomplishments ACross the Globe

Among Kouoh's monumental achievements was her appointment as curator for the 2026 Venice Biennale, a historic first for an African woman. As director of Zeitz MOCAA, she successfully shone a spotlight on African art and culture worldwide. Her curatorial initiatives at the museum encompassed various contemporary art exhibitions presenting the vibrant talent of Africa.

Although details on specific exhibition titles aren't readily available, her work at MOCAA covered a broad range of art from across the continent. Kouoh was also instrumental in organizing key exhibitions on African art, such as "Body Talk: Feminism, Sexuality and the Body in the Works of Six African Women Artists" in Brussels, Belgium; "Still (the) Barbarians" for the Irish Biennial in Limerick; and "Dig Where You Stand" for the 57th Carnegie International in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pioneering Thoughts and Inspirations

Through her writings on African art history and curatorial practices, Kouoh has shared her insights with the global artistic community. Some of her publications include "When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting," "Breathing Out of School: Raw Académie," "Condition Report on Art History in Africa," and "Word!Word?Word! Issa Samb and The Undecipherable Form."

In addition to her preeminent role at Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh served as the Curator of the Educational and Artistic Program of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London and New York from 2013 to 2017. During her tenure, she carefully curated various solo exhibitions featuring acclaimed African and African diaspora artists.

A Lasting Legacy

Kouoh's contributions to the world of contemporary art extend far beyond the gallery walls. As a champion of pan-African art, she tirelessly championed its importance and value globally. Through her stellar career, Kouoh played a vital role in ushering in a new era of appreciation for African art, paving the way for future generations of artists and curators across the continent.

May Koyo Kouoh's trailblazing spirit continue to inspire artists and curators alike, reminding us of the invaluable contributions African art brings to the global stage.

The 61st International Art Exhibition in Venice, originally set for 2026, will now have to find a new leader, as Otobong, the first African woman appointed for the prestigious role, has passed away.
As tributes pour in for the late Koyo Kouoh, it's important to remember her fantastic contribution to the fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, cars, shopping, pets, and relationships aspects of lifestyle.
Before her untimely departure, Koyo Kouoh was scheduled to lead the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz Mocaa) in Cape Town.
Despite her passing, Koyo Kouoh's intellectual and human commitment will echo through the vibrant talent of African artists she showcased through numerous exhibitions, such as "Body Talk: Feminism, Sexuality and the Body in the Works of Six African Women Artists" and "Dig Where You Stand."
Koyo Kouoh paved a path for African art on the global stage with groundbreaking publications like "When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting" and "Condition Report on Art History in Africa."
Otobong will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the extensive network of artists, curators, and scholars forever touched by her relentless pursuit of showcasing contemporary African art.
The 2025 unveiling of the 61st edition's title and theme in Venice will be a poignant reminder of the extraordinary life and legacy of Koyo Kouoh.