Farewell to Koyo Kouoh: died at only 57, the curator of the Venice Biennale 2026

Farewell to Koyo Kouoh: The African curator who was to curate the Venice Biennale 2026 has died at the age of just 57. Last December, Kouoh had in fact been appointed curator of the next edition’s international art exhibition. News of her passing was given by the Biennale itself. “La Biennale di Venezia learns with dismay the news of the sudden and untimely death of Koyo Kouoh, curator of the Biennale Arte 2026,” reads a brief note. “Her death leaves an immense void in the contemporary art world and in the international community of artists, curators and scholars who appreciated her extraordinary intellectual and human commitment.”

A Cameroonian, born in Douala in 1967, Kouah had served as executive director and chief curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa, since 2019. Raised between Cameroon and Switzerland, Kouoh studied business administration and banking in Switzerland, as well as cultural management in France. In 2008, she founded the RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, a center dedicated to contemporary art, knowledge and society, which serves as an exhibition space, artist residency and platform for cultural debate. Kouoh has participated as a curatorial consultant in major international events, including documenta 12 (2007) and documenta 13 (2012). In 2020 she received the Grand Prix Meret Oppenheim, Switzerland’s highest award for contemporary art. She was recognized for her curatorial approach focusing on themes such as postcolonialism, feminism and the African diaspora.

“It is with great dismay,” says Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, “that I learn the news of the untimely death of Koyo Kouoh, curator of the 61. International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale to be held next year. Her appointment had been greeted with enthusiasm around the world, great were the expectations for what with her passion, knowledge and professionalism she would be able to offer in the staging of one of the biggest events for contemporary art globally. At this time of deep sorrow I want to express to his loved ones and to the Venice Biennale my condolences and the closeness of myself and the Ministry of Culture.”

Farewell to Koyo Kouoh: died at only 57, the curator of the Venice Biennale 2026

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