A Vision Cut Short: Kouoh’s Impact on the Venice Biennale

The Venice Biennale has officially acknowledged the unexpected passing of Koyo Kouoh, who was slated to curate the contemporary art exhibition in 2026. The institution expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a visionary leader. Kouoh’s appointment was particularly significant as she was to be the first African woman to helm the Venice Biennale, a move anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and a vital reorientation to the event. The unveiling of the biennale’s theme under her direction was eagerly awaited on May 20th.

Her death leaves a huge void in the contemporary art world and in the international community of artists, curators and researchers who appreciated her unusual intellectual and human efforts.

A Champion of African Art: Kouoh’s Legacy

Koyo Kouoh’s influence extended far beyond the upcoming Biennale. For six years, she directed the Zeitz Museum of contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa, a leading institution dedicated to contemporary art from the African continent and its diaspora. Furthermore, she established an art center in Dakar, Senegal, demonstrating her commitment to fostering artistic talent and discourse within Africa. Her dedication to promoting African art on a global stage was unwavering.

The Zeitz MOCAA, since its opening in 2017, has become a pivotal hub, showcasing the works of emerging and established African artists. According to recent statistics, the museum has seen a steady increase in international visitors, highlighting the growing interest in African contemporary art. Kouoh’s leadership was instrumental in this success.

Challenging Narratives: The “When We See Us” Exhibition

Kouoh’s curatorial prowess was also evident in the acclaimed exhibition When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting. This groundbreaking exhibition, which has garnered significant attention in Cape Town and Basel, is currently on display at BOZAR in Brussels until August. The exhibition challenges conventional art past narratives and celebrates the richness and diversity of African painting over the past century.

The exhibition’s goal was to broaden the scope of black figuration,as Kouoh explained. She noted the commercial success of some young artists of color, while others were marginalized due to simplified and under-researched categorizations. She aimed to address the gaps and incomplete stories within recent art history.

This exhibition tries to shift the horizon from black figuration. Recently, young artists of color had striking commercial successes. others remained pushed in the corner: the place assigned to them was greatly simplified and is not based on research.Recent art history shows Lacunes and does not tell the whole story. It was one of the motivations of this exhibition.

Mourning the Loss: Reactions to Kouoh’s Passing

The news of Koyo Kouoh’s death has been met with shock and profound sadness throughout the art world. BOZAR, where her exhibition is currently running, expressed their disbelief and grief, echoing the sentiments of many who knew and admired her.

Like many of her friends and colleagues,we are shocked by the unexpected loss of this brilliant,awesome woman,always full of ideas,boundless energy and unstacular joy.