Koyo Kouoh Death and Obituary – The global art world is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Koyo Kouoh, a groundbreaking curator and passionate advocate for contemporary African art, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 58. Her death, confirmed by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa, was announced overnight, though no cause of death has been released. Her passing has left a profound void in the art community worldwide.
Kouoh had recently been appointed as the curator of the prestigious 2026 Venice Biennale, making history as the first African woman ever chosen to lead the event. The Biennale’s organizing committee expressed its deep sorrow on Saturday, stating it was “deeply saddened and dismayed” by the news of her untimely death. Her appointment had been celebrated as a landmark moment for African and diasporic representation in one of the art world’s most revered exhibitions.
Born in Cameroon in 1967, Koyo Kouoh spent much of her life committed to reimagining the global art narrative through a Pan-African lens. She was widely respected for her dedication to elevating voices from across the African continent and its diaspora. Her influence spanned decades and continents, as she worked to build platforms for African artists to be seen, heard, and celebrated on the world stage.
Since 2019, Kouoh had served as the executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA, where she played an instrumental role in transforming the institution into a critical hub for contemporary African art. Under her leadership, the museum expanded its programming, deepened its scholarly engagement, and became a space for urgent cultural conversations. She believed fiercely in the power of art to foster social change and cultural dialogue, and her work consistently reflected a profound commitment to justice, equity, and representation.
Throughout her career, Kouoh was also known for founding RAW Material Company, a center for art, knowledge, and society in Dakar, Senegal. The institution served as a vibrant space for artistic experimentation, curatorial innovation, and intellectual exchange. Her curatorial practice was always intellectually rigorous and deeply informed by history, identity, and geopolitics.
Koyo Kouoh’s passing comes as a shock not only to those who knew and loved her, but also to the many who admired her from afar. Her loss is not just personal but collective — felt by artists, curators, and cultural workers across the globe who found inspiration in her work and her vision. She leaves behind a towering legacy and a curatorial ethos that championed inclusivity, boldness, and a belief in the transformative power of art.
As tributes pour in from around the world, one thing is clear: Koyo Kouoh was a trailblazer whose impact will continue to resonate far beyond her years. Rest in peace, Koyo. Your light lives on through the artists and institutions you empowered.