Koyo Kouoh, the executive director and chief curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), has died suddenly at the age of 57. Her passing, confirmed on May 10, 2025, has left a profound impact on the contemporary art world, particularly as she was set to become the first African woman to curate the prestigious Venice Biennale, scheduled to open in May 2026.
Born on December 24, 1967, in Douala, Cameroon, Kouoh's journey in the art world began after her family moved to Switzerland when she was 13. She studied business administration and banking, later working as a social worker with migrant women. However, her passion for art led her to become a prominent figure in the global art scene.
In December 2024, Kouoh was appointed by the Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia to curate the 61st International Art Exhibition. The Venice Biennale is recognized as one of the most significant events in the art world, showcasing a large-scale group show alongside national pavilions from various countries. Kouoh had been diligently preparing for the Biennale, working with "passion, intellectual rigor, and vision" on its conception and development.
Just days before her death, she was scheduled to announce the title and theme of the upcoming exhibition in Venice on May 20, 2025. Her unexpected passing has left an "immense void in the world of contemporary art," according to a statement from the Venice Biennale.
At Zeitz MOCAA, which she joined in 2019, Kouoh revitalized the institution, transforming it into a leading contemporary art museum in Africa. Under her leadership, the museum became known for its commitment to Pan-Africanism and the promotion of artists from the continent and its diaspora. Her landmark achievement was the 2022 exhibition and publication titled "When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting," which highlighted a century of work by artists from Africa and the global African Diaspora.
Throughout her career, Kouoh was recognized for her ability to connect with artists and audiences alike. She was fluent in multiple languages, including French, German, English, and Italian, which helped her engage with a diverse range of communities. Her approach to curating was described as having a "sophisticated breadth" that combined aesthetic, art historical, painterly, and political perspectives.
In addition to her role at Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh was a co-founding artistic director of the Raw Material Company art center in Dakar, Senegal. This center became a hub for artistic collaboration and education, offering a space for emerging artists to develop their work. She also served on the curatorial teams for Documenta 12 and 13, as well as the educational and artistic program of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.
Her contributions to the art community were recognized not only in Africa but globally, as she championed the visibility of African artists and narratives. In a 2023 interview, Kouoh expressed her belief that the increased attention on African contemporary art was due to the growing savviness of African art professionals rather than just Western interest. "I am part of that generation of African art professionals who have pride and knowledge about the beauty of African culture," she stated.
The art world has reacted with deep sorrow to Kouoh's passing. Adrienne Edward, senior curator and associate director of curatorial programs at the Whitney Museum of American Art, remarked on her deserving appointment as the Venice Biennale curator, emphasizing Kouoh's "unique ability to be grounded in a place, in herself, in artists."
As news of her death spread, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and institutions. The Zeitz MOCAA announced that all programming would be suspended as a mark of respect for Kouoh, who was described as a "beloved executive director and chief curator" by the museum's trustees.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her condolences, calling Kouoh's death "premature" and recognizing her significant contributions to the field of contemporary art. The Raw Material Company, which she founded, honored her as a "source of warmth, generosity, and brilliance," highlighting her belief that "people are more important than things."
Throughout her life, Kouoh was not just a curator but an institution builder, mentoring countless artists and curators across the globe. Her vision and dedication to promoting African art will leave a lasting legacy in the art community. Survivors include her partner, Philippe Mall, though complete information on her family was not immediately available.
Kouoh's sudden departure marks a significant loss for the contemporary art world, as she was a pioneering figure who shaped the narrative around African art and culture. As the art community mourns her passing, her influence and contributions will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of artists and curators.
