Koyo Kouoh: Visionary Curator and Champion of Pan-African Art
The world of contemporary art mourns the loss of Koyo Kouoh, a pioneering curator and the executive director of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). Through her work, she redefined the global perspective on Pan-African and Diaspora art. Her sudden passing in May 2025 left a profound impact on artists and art enthusiasts around the world. This article reflects on her legacy, vision, and the mark she leaves on the art community.
A Trailblazing Career
Koyo Kouoh's journey began in Douala, Cameroon. Her family relocated to Zurich, Switzerland when she was 13. Though she initially pursued a career in business administration, her passion for the arts drew her back to Africa. Settling in Dakar, Senegal, she founded the influential RAW Material Company, an art center fostering creative exchange and innovation in the region.
Over the years, Kouoh joined the curatorial teams for several major international exhibitions, including Documenta 12 and 13, and curated at significant events like the 1–54 Contemporary African Art Fair. Her leadership style was marked by a keen eye for talent, deep cultural insight, and an unyielding commitment to elevating African voices in the art world.
Impact as Zeitz MOCAA Director
Appointed as executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town in 2019, Kouoh transformed the institution into a leading platform for contemporary African art. One of her most notable achievements was the acclaimed exhibition When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, which featured over 150 artists from Africa and its Diaspora. This show, according to Artnet News, was the largest exploration of Black self-representation to date.
In addition to her curatorial work, Kouoh supported the careers of countless artists and fostered cultural exchange throughout the continent. Zeitz MOCAA's global reputation grew immensely under her guidance, and its exhibitions spurred critical conversations about art, identity, and the legacy of colonialism.
Recognitions and Global Influence
Koyo Kouoh broke barriers as the first African woman selected to curate the Venice Biennale, scheduled for 2026. The Venice Biennale described her as someone who "worked with passion, intellectual rigor, and vision" on the event’s conception. Her influence extended to the boards of international art organizations such as the German Academic Exchange Service and the Vera List Center Prize for Art and Politics.
Her passion for Pan-Africanism resonated deeply within the art world. As ArtReview notes, Kouoh championed not only the increased visibility of African art but also the professional development of the continent’s artists and curators.
Remembering Koyo Kouoh’s Legacy
Koyo Kouoh’s commitment to art was matched by her generosity and warmth. Her belief that "people are more important than things" guided her approach to art management and community building. She leaves behind institutions, exhibitions, and a generation of emerging artists inspired by her vision and advocacy.
For further insights into her impact and tributes from the art community, refer to dedicated coverage by Artnet News and ArtReview.
Conclusion
Koyo Kouoh’s legacy as a curator, director, and mentor continues to resonate across the art world. Through innovative programming, fearless leadership, and an unwavering commitment to Pan-African excellence, she redefined what is possible in contemporary art. As exhibitions and institutions continue her work, her influence will inspire future generations to elevate African narratives on the global stage.