‘An immense void in contemporary art': Art curator Koyo Kouoh dies at 57
The arts world mourns the passing of Koyo Kouoh, executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA.
The 57-year-old died suddenly in early May, and Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) halted museum operations in her honour.
Known for reshaping global contemporary art narratives, she championed African art, with notable projects like 'When We See Us' and La Biennale Arte 2026.
The Southern African arts world is grieving the death of Koyo Kouoh, a prominent Cameroonian-born curator who profoundly shaped the global contemporary art scene.
Kouoh, the executive director and chief curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), died suddenly, as confirmed by the organisation in a statement shared on Instagram on Saturday.
'It is with profound sorrow that the Trustees of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) received news in the early hours of this morning, of the sudden passing of Koyo Kouoh, our beloved executive director and chief curator.'
In tribute to Kouoh's memory, the museum announced a temporary suspension of its operations.
'Out of respect, Zeitz MOCAA will close its doors today, and all programming will be suspended until further notice. Our thoughts are with Koyo's family at this time,' the organisation said.
The news has shocked many in the art community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from admirers of her work and other prominent figures in the industry.
'Heartbroken to learn of the passing of Koyo Kouoh. A visionary curator, cultural leader, and unwavering advocate for contemporary African art,' wrote Ugandan documentary and portrait photographer Sarah Waiswa. 'Her legacy reshaped the global art world, and her impact will be felt for generations. May she Rest in Power.'
Recent work
Kouoh's recent projects included her work on La Biennale's 61st International Art Exhibition, scheduled to open on 9 May 2026. This came after her appointment to the Biennale in December 2024.
'Koyo Kouoh worked with passion, intellectual rigour, and vision on the conception and development of the Biennale Arte 2026.
'Her passing leaves an immense void in the world of contemporary art and in the international community of artists, curators, and scholars who had the privilege of knowing and admiring her extraordinary human and intellectual commitment,' said La Biennale di Venezia in a statement.
A leader in the arts
Kouoh earned great respect for her efforts to diversify the global narrative around contemporary art, working to highlight perspectives beyond the traditional Western lens.
As executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, Kouoh helped transform the museum into a notable platform for African artists.
One of her standout achievements was the 2022 exhibition When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting.
In addition to her other work, Kouoh's career was marked by monumental contributions to prestigious international events, including Documenta (2007, 2012), EVA International in Ireland, and the 2018 Carnegie International.
Following her death, the direction of La Biennale's 61st International Art Exhibition is still uncertain.
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