Koyo Kouoh, a renowned Cameroonian curator chosen to direct the 2026 Venice Biennale, passed away unexpectedly at age 57 on Saturday, May 10. Her husband, Philippe Mall, confirmed to the New York Times that her death was due to a recent cancer diagnosis.
In December, Kouoh was named the artistic director of the upcoming Venice Biennale, marking her as the first African woman to lead the event. She was expected to reveal the exhibition’s theme and title on May 20. Since 2019, Kouoh also served as the executive director and chief curator of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in Cape Town. In tribute to her, the museum has closed its doors until May 12, inviting tributes from those who admired her work.
Born in 1967 in Douala, Cameroon, Kouoh moved to Zurich as a teenager. She studied business administration and banking, but initially worked as a social worker aiding migrant women. She later co-edited the German anthology Töchter Afrikas (1994). Her career in the arts began in Dakar, Senegal, where she became an influential independent curator.
Kouoh was a curatorial advisor for Documenta 12 in 2007 and Documenta 13 in 2012. She founded the RAW Material Company in Dakar in 2008 and played a key role in establishing the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. At Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh curated significant exhibitions like ‘When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting’ and retrospectives of prominent artists.
Claire Breukel of Zeitz MOCAA highlighted Kouoh’s dedication to elevating Black creative voices, stating her contributions will not be forgotten. The Biennale committee honored her legacy, noting the profound impact of her work on the art world. Kouoh is survived by her husband Philippe, son Djibril Schmed, mother Agnes Steidl, and stepfather Anton Steidl.
