Koyo Kouoh: A Visionary in the Global Art Scene

The art world reels from the unexpected loss of Koyo Kouoh, the esteemed curator and art powerhouse, whose death in Switzerland at 57 has left a profound void in the global art community. Kouoh, poised to be the first African woman to curate the Venice Biennale, died just days before she was to unveil the theme for next year’s pinnacle event.

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Legacy in Curatorial Excellence

Koyo Kouoh’s journey as a curator and cultural influencer was marked by her dedication to amplifying voices from Africa and beyond, reshaping the contemporary art scene. As the creative force behind Zeitz MOCAA’s resurgence, Kouoh transformed the institution, grappling with its troubled past and steering it towards a new direction focused on inclusivity and diversity.

Revitalizing Zeitz MOCAA

Upon her appointment in 2019, Kouoh inherited a museum in distress. The previous leadership had faltered, and the museum’s relevance was waning. “Koyo didn’t just step into a role; she stepped into a challenge, which she approached with the vigor and passion she was known for,” commented Storm Janse van Renseburg, a former senior curator at Zeitz MOCAA.

Artist Igshaan Adams, reflecting on Kouoh’s impact, noted, “She rekindled our connection with the museum. It was under her leadership that I saw true engagement with our communities — people who finally saw themselves reflected in the space.”

Path to Prominence

Born in Cameroon and raised in Switzerland, Kouoh’s initial career path was far from the art world. Her transition from business administration to becoming a curator was driven by a desire to offer her son a life immersed in their African heritage. This personal journey back to Africa set the stage for what would become a celebrated career in art curation.

Founding Raw Material Company

In Dakar, Kouoh founded Raw Material Company, a center for art, knowledge, and society that became a beacon for artists and curators globally. “She was more than a curator; she was a builder of institutions that mattered,” stated Oluremi C. Onabanjo from the Museum of Modern Art.

Global Impact and Vision

Kouoh’s curatorial projects extended well beyond African borders, influencing major international exhibitions and biennales. Her work with Documenta and the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair underscored her role as a global art influencer. Touria El Glaoui, founding director of 1-54, remarked, “Koyo gave a platform to numerous African artists, elevating their work on the world stage and changing the narrative around African art.”

Pioneering New Perspectives

Kouoh was vocal about the need for a shift in how African art is perceived globally. “Our culture has often been misrepresented, and it’s not about correcting these narratives but rather about creating new ones,” she said in one of her last interviews. Her approach wasn’t just about showcasing art but about fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures behind it.

Unfinished Symphony: The Venice Biennale

The art community had eagerly anticipated Kouoh’s vision for the 2026 Venice Biennale, expecting a transformative event that aligned closely with contemporary issues and artistic innovation. “Her approach was about grounding the exhibition in the ethos of the artists and the times we live in,” noted Adrienne Edward from the Whitney Museum.

A Sudden Departure

The details surrounding Kouoh’s sudden death remain sparse, and the impact on the upcoming Biennale is uncertain. The event’s organizers and the global art community are now left to honor her legacy and perhaps find a way to reflect her vision in next year’s showcase, ensuring her innovative spirit lives on.

Kouoh is survived by her partner, Philippe Mall, among other family members and a global network of artists and curators who were profoundly influenced by her work. Kate Fowle of the Hearthland Foundation reflected, “Koyo was not just a curator; she was a mentor and a visionary who brought to light the importance of diversity in art. She championed ideas and people with a conviction that will be sorely missed.”