African contemporary art dealer Koyo Kouoh passes away.
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Koyo Kouoh, a towering figure in the art world, was all set to make history as the first African commissioner for the Venice Biennale of Art scheduled for May 2026. She had earned this prestigious position back in December 2024. Her influence as a curator from the African continent was undeniable, and her passionate advocacy for Pan-Africanism resonated deeply within the community.
Born in Douala, Cameroon, in 1967, Kouoh moved to Switzerland at the tender age of 13, shaping her beliefs and experiences in profound ways. Her professional journey was marked by significant milestones. As the Executive Director and Chief Curator at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), she had been developing an explicitly Pan-African program since 2019. Kouoh's impressive portfolio included curatorial advisory roles for Documenta 12 and 13 and curatorships for the 38th edition of EVA International in Limerick, Ireland, in 2016.
Koyo Kouoh commanded respect, not just for her striking hazel eyes and poised demeanor, but also for her unwavering conviction. "We need to stop having a depreciated image of ourselves," she often stressed. "There's nothing diminutive about the African adjective." She stood tall against adversity, refusing to be intimidated by the dominant forces of Europe and America. "I don't care if they let me sit at their table," she asserted. "I set my own table, and they can choose to dine at mine."
Unfortunately, Kouoh's life was cut tragically short. On the somber night of May 9th, 2025, she passed away at the age of 58. Her sudden demise shocked the art community, and tributes poured in on social media from fellow artists. "We're not ready for a world without you," Eric Baudelaire posted on Instagram. "Your time on earth was and will always be an endless source of inspiration for my life," added Kader Attia.
Despite her untimely passing, Kouoh's legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of artists and curators to continue championing diversity and representation in the art world. Rest in power, Koyo Kouoh.
- In spite of Koyo Kouoh's unexpected demise on May 9th, 2025, her legacy continues to inspire cultural-travel enthusiasts and art aficionados alike.
- The African community, driven by Kouoh's passionate advocacy, is ready to reclaim its rightful place in the art world, much like Kouoh aspired to do as the first African commissioner for the Venice Biennale of Art in 2026.
- Kouoh's vision of a Pan-African program at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA, inspiring a new generation of artists, is set to influence the lifestyle and travel choices of those interested in experiencing diverse cultural perspectives.
- As tributes continue to pour in, Koyo Kouoh's impact on the art world will forever be remembered, leaving a lasting imprint on the 2026 Venice Biennale, art community, and the broader African narrative.
