The art world has welcomed some dazzling news: Koyo Kouoh, an emblematic figure of African contemporary art, has been appointed Director of the Visual Arts Sector of the Venice Biennale. This appointment marks a historic step, not only for Africa, but also for the global art scene. Koyo Kouoh, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in South Africa, will be at the helm of the 61ᵉ International Art Exhibition scheduled for 2026.
Her track record, rich in achievements and innovations, positions this pioneer as a creative force redefining the contours of contemporary art on a global level.
An exceptional career in the service of art and social reflection
Originally from Cameroon and Switzerland, Koyo Kouoh has always been guided by a dual aspiration: to promote African art on the international scene and to stimulate critical dialogue around culture. Her commitment to art extends far beyond exhibitions. In 2008, she founded RAW Material Company in Dakar, an interdisciplinary center dedicated to art, knowledge and society. This unique space, combining artistic residencies, exhibitions and critical reflection, has contributed to the growth and recognition of African creativity on a global scale.
Under his leadership, RAW Material Company quickly gained an international reputation. Her innovative projects include Saving Bruce Lee: African and Arab Cinema in the Era of Soviet Cultural Diplomacy, an exploration of Soviet cultural influences in Africa and the Middle East. Through her work, Koyo Kouoh brings to light cultural and historical connections that are often overlooked.
Her leadership at Zeitz MOCAA: a platform for contemporary African art
Since 2019, Koyo Kouoh has headed the Zeitz MOCAA, one of the largest museums dedicated to contemporary African art. Based in Cape Town, this museum has become, under her governance, a center of influence for African and Afro-descendant artists. She has organized landmark exhibitions such as When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, a striking retrospective on the representation of black figures in art, and Shooting Down Babylon, a monograph on Tracey Rose, a major figure on the South African art scene.
Zeitz MOCAA is not just an exhibition space; it’s a laboratory for critical reflection where Koyo Kouoh questions dominant narratives and explores pan-African perspectives. She defends an inclusive vision, where art becomes a tool for understanding and transforming society.
Global influence and visionary projects
Koyo Kouoh is an institution builder and strategic thinker.She has expanded the role of the curator to include thinking about how art institutions can respond to the challenges of emerging countries. In this capacity, she has been a key collaborator on prestigious events such as Documenta 12 and Documenta 13, and the Venice Biennale, where she previously directed the Swiss Salon (Ataraxia) in 2017.
In 2016, she curated the EVA International biennial in Ireland under the theme Still (the) Barbarians, a powerful reflection on the legacy of colonialism.This critical approach characterizes her work, as does her ability to link local contexts to global issues.Among her other notable contributions, the exhibition Body Talk: Feminism, Sexuality and the Body in the Works of Six African Women Artists explored the intersections between feminism, the body and sexuality in the work of African women artists. This touring exhibition has provoked profound discussions on representation and gender.
The Venice Biennale is often regarded as the barometer of global contemporary art. In taking the helm of its 61ᵉ edition, Koyo Kouoh is likely to bring a unique perspective, rooted in her commitment to African art and her inclusive approach.This vision she constantly reflects by using art as a space for critical reflection and transformative action.This Venice Biennale 2026 promises to be a platform where questions of social justice, identity and collective memory will be explored with depth and innovation, because far beyond her achievements, Koyo Kouoh embodies a new generation of cultural leaders who transcend borders and disciplines. She is redefining the way art is created, presented and received, while providing a platform for African artists to tell their own stories.
Her nomination for the Venice Biennale is more than a recognition of her achievements; it’s a celebration of the growing impact of African art on the world stage.With Koyo Kouoh at the helm, the 2026 Biennale will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment, where dialogues between cultures, genres and perspectives will redraw the contours of contemporary African art.