Koyo Kouoh – A Legacy in Global Contemporary Art
Remembering Koyo Kouoh – A Visionary in Contemporary Art
Koyo Kouoh, the Swiss-Cameroonian curator and cultural leader, reshaped global art discourse. Her untimely passing in May 2025 at age 57 marked the loss of one of the most impactful voices in the world of art and curatorial practice.
Early Life and Path to Art Leadership
Born in Douala, Cameroon, Kouoh moved to Zurich as a teenager. She initially worked in finance before transitioning into cultural management, with training in France. Her global upbringing informed her inclusive curatorial vision.
In 2008, she established the RAW Material Company in Dakar. This space rapidly became a vital platform for critical art discourse in Africa.
Transforming Institutions: Zeitz MOCAA and Beyond
Appointed Executive Director and Chief Curator of Zeitz MOCAA in 2019, Kouoh revitalized the institution. Her leadership centered pan-African narratives and community involvement.
Her exhibition When We See Us traced a century of Black portraiture. It disrupted dominant art historical narratives and earned international acclaim.
Global Art Influence and Representation
Kouoh contributed to major events like Documenta and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. She consistently advocated for the inclusion of African artists in global dialogues.
Her December 2024 appointment as curator of the Venice Biennale marked a historic milestone. Sadly, she passed away before unveiling her vision for 2026.
Legacy and Impact
Through institutions like RAW and Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh mentored countless artists and curators. Her work opened doors, created access, and shifted paradigms across the art world.
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