Renowned Curator Koyo Kouoh Passes Away at 57
The art world is mourning the loss of Koyo Kouoh, the curator and director of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in Cape Town, and artistic director of the 61st Venice Biennale, who has died suddenly at the age of 57.
According to a statement released by Zeitz MOCAA on Instagram, Kouoh’s passing was announced in the early hours of the morning on May 10, 2025. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the art community, with tributes pouring in for the pioneering curator. As ArtReview reports, Kouoh was a leading figure in promoting Pan-Africanism throughout the art world.
Kouoh was set to direct the 61st Venice Biennale, which is scheduled to open in April 2026. The Biennale released a statement, saying: "Her passing leaves an immense void in the world of contemporary art and in the international community of artists, curators, and scholars who had the privilege of knowing and admiring her extraordinary human and intellectual commitment." As noted by ArtReview, Kouoh’s legacy will be deeply missed.
Born in Douala, Cameroon, Kouoh moved to Zurich, Switzerland, with her family at the age of 13. Although she initially studied business administration and banking in Switzerland, motherhood inspired a move back to Africa, choosing Dakar as her new home. Working first as a cultural officer for the American Consulate, in 2008 she founded Raw Material Company, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting African art and culture. As ArtReview highlights, Kouoh’s contributions to the art world are immeasurable.
Throughout her career, Kouoh held various curatorial positions, including being part of the curatorial teams for Documenta 12 (2007) and Documenta 13 (2012). In 2013, she initiated the educational and artistic programme of 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, and in 2016, she curated Eva International, the biennial in Limerick, Ireland. At Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh curated several notable exhibitions, including When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, which brought together 156 artists from Africa and its diaspora and travelled internationally.
Kouoh’s dedication to promoting African art and culture has been widely recognised. As executive director and chief curator at Zeitz MOCAA since 2019, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s vision and programme. Her passing has left a void in the art world, with many paying tribute to her legacy. Artist Otobong Nkanga wrote: "Koyo was a source of warmth, generosity and brilliance, she always stated that people are more important than things and we feel her absence greatly today."
The art world will continue to feel the impact of Kouoh’s passing, but her legacy will live on through her groundbreaking work. As ArtReview notes, Kouoh’s contributions to the art world will be remembered for years to come.
The 61st Venice Biennale will take place in April 2026, and it remains to be seen how the event will proceed without Kouoh at the helm. However, one thing is certain – Kouoh’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence the art world for generations to come.
In a statement, Zeitz MOCAA expressed their deepest condolences to Kouoh’s family and friends, saying: "The museum is deeply saddened by the news of Koyo Kouoh’s passing. She was an extraordinary individual who made an immense contribution to the art world."
Kouoh’s life and work have been celebrated by many in the art world, and her passing serves as a reminder of the significant impact she had on the global art scene. As the art community continues to mourn her loss, Kouoh’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the art world for years to come.
The news of Kouoh’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the art world, and tributes have been pouring in for the pioneering curator. As the art community comes together to celebrate her life and work, Kouoh’s legacy will live on through her groundbreaking contributions to the art world.
Source: ArtReview
