The international art world is reeling from the sudden passing of Koyo Kouoh, the acclaimed curator appointed to direct the 2026 Venice Biennale. Kouoh, a pivotal figure in contemporary African art and the first African woman selected for this prestigious role, died at the age of 57 after a recent cancer diagnosis. Her death, which occurred just days before she was due to announce the theme and title of the upcoming Biennale, has left an “immense void” in the global art community.
Kouoh was widely celebrated for her profound intellectual rigor, unwavering vision, and dedication to championing African artists and decolonizing art narratives. As the Executive Director and Chief Curator of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, she was credited with revitalizing the institution and fostering an explicitly Pan-African program. Her legacy also includes founding RAW Material Company, an independent art center in Dakar, Senegal, and contributing to major international exhibitions like Documenta.
The Press Responds:
News of Kouoh’s passing has prompted a wave of tributes and expressions of sorrow across leading art publications and beyond:
- The Art Newspaper highlighted the shock and profound loss felt in the art world, noting that Kouoh was poised to make a significant impact on the Biennale. They reported on the Biennale’s statement praising her “passion, intellectual rigour and vision” and the void her death leaves.
- Frieze underscored Kouoh’s dedication to centering artists from the African Diaspora and her impactful leadership at Zeitz MOCAA. They also noted the outpouring of tributes from artists and arts professionals.
- Artnet News emphasized her standing as one of Africa’s preeminent curators and managers, known for her sharp eye and multilingual capabilities.
- Artsy echoed the sentiments, confirming the news from the Venice Biennale and highlighting Kouoh’s widely recognized intellectual rigor and commitment to contemporary art from Africa.
- The Associated Press reported on the confirmation from Zeitz MOCAA and the Biennale, acknowledging her historic appointment as the first African woman to lead the exhibition.
What’s Next for the 2026 Venice Biennale?
Kouoh’s death creates an unprecedented challenge for the upcoming Biennale, scheduled to open on May 9, 2026. The Biennale has confirmed that the conference to discuss her work was still scheduled to take place on May 20, as originally planned, even after her passing. However, the critical question of who will now take the helm as Artistic Director remains unanswered.
The Biennale organization has yet to announce a replacement, or the process for selecting one. The individual chosen will face the immense task of stepping into the shoes of a visionary leader and shaping one of the world’s most significant contemporary art exhibitions under exceptional circumstances. The art world will be closely watching for developments as the Biennale navigates this profound loss.