Koyo Kouoh Death: Koyo Kouoh, Renowned Curator and Director of Zeitz MOCAA, Passes Away at 58
Koyo Kouoh Death and Obituary – The international art world is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Koyo Kouoh, a visionary curator and cultural leader, who passed away at the age of 58. Her death was confirmed by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa, where she had served as executive director and chief curator since 2019. The museum announced her passing overnight, but no cause of death was disclosed.
Kouoh’s death comes as a profound shock, particularly as she had recently been appointed to curate the 2026 edition of the prestigious Venice Biennale. This historic appointment made her the first African woman to lead the Biennale, a landmark moment for global representation in the arts. The Venice Biennale released a statement on Saturday expressing that it was “deeply saddened and dismayed” to learn of her passing.
Born in Cameroon in 1967, Koyo Kouoh was not only a curator of global renown but also a passionate advocate for Pan-Africanism and a key figure in the elevation of African contemporary art onto the world stage. Her career spanned decades of groundbreaking work across Africa, Europe, and beyond. Before joining Zeitz MOCAA, she founded and directed RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, a center for art, knowledge, and society, which became a pivotal platform for emerging African artists and critical discourse.
Under her leadership at Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh revitalized the institution, reorienting its mission to better reflect African perspectives, histories, and creative voices. Her curatorial work emphasized decolonization, intersectionality, and the importance of context in understanding contemporary African art. She championed artists who challenged dominant narratives and created inclusive spaces for storytelling, innovation, and critical reflection.
Kouoh’s curatorial practice was marked by intellectual rigor, cultural sensitivity, and an unyielding commitment to justice through the arts. Her influence extended far beyond exhibitions; she was a mentor to countless young curators and artists, particularly from Africa and the diaspora. Her sudden death leaves a profound void, not only at Zeitz MOCAA and the Venice Biennale, but across the entire global art community.
The announcement of her passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from colleagues, artists, institutions, and admirers around the world. Many remember her not only for her formidable intellect and groundbreaking exhibitions, but also for her warmth, integrity, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of art.
As tributes continue to pour in, there is a shared sense of loss but also a deep appreciation for her legacy. Koyo Kouoh’s life’s work reshaped the cultural landscape and opened doors for future generations of African curators and artists. Though her journey has ended far too soon, her vision will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.
Rest in peace, Koyo Kouoh. You will be deeply missed.
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