Koyo Kouoh : a pioneer in the world of contemporary art

Koyo Kouoh, a key figure in African contemporary art, is making history at the Venice Biennale. On December 4, 2024, the announcement of her appointment as the commissioner for the 61st edition of the Biennale generated widespread excitement. The reason for this is simple: she is the first African woman to receive this honor. Her remarkable career, built on deep convictions and an unwavering commitment to art, Africa, and diasporic communities, is a testament to her leadership.

Rooted in two worlds: Africa and Europe

Koyo Kouoh was born in Douala, Cameroon, and raised in Zurich, Switzerland. This dual cultural and geographical background has shaped her thinking and artistic vision, which she sees as a powerful means to transcend boundaries. She represents a modern, cosmopolitan Africa where the continent’s influences intertwine with those of the world.

Her commitment to the arts took on an international dimension when she became the director of the Zeitz-Mocaa Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. This museum has become one of the central hubs for contemporary African art, and Kouoh has driven a new dynamic there, highlighting African and international artists in a decolonization of culture. Over the five years she has led the institution, she has made her vision clear: contemporary African art should no longer be seen as peripheral but as a key player on the global stage.

The role of the Venice Biennale: a stepping stone for African visibility

The Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious global art events, has always been a meeting point for different cultures and exchanges. Koyo Kouoh’s selection as commissioner for the 61st edition in 2026 is no accident. She is seen as a champion of Pan-Africanism, a vision that she believes is essential to understanding contemporary art and history. In her work, she emphasizes the importance of « Black geographies, » a concept she passionately defends. This term refers to the global influence of Black culture, from the United States to Brazil, and of course, Africa.

Kouoh’s work at the Venice Biennale will aim to address current issues in art, culture, and contemporary societies, while also highlighting the specific concerns of the African continent. Through this exhibition, she hopes to offer reflections on the world we live in today and, more importantly, on the world we want to build for tomorrow.

A critical perspective on Africa’s representation

Koyo Kouoh has always been critical of how Africa has been represented in the arts. She believes that the continent’s narrative has been largely shaped by others, and it is high time that Africans themselves take control of telling their own story. This involves rethinking the terms, images, and contexts associated with contemporary African art. Kouoh has expressed her desire to create an exhibition that aligns with the realities of today’s world while offering a positive, transformative vision for the future.

She also operates beyond the geographical boundaries of the continent. « Pandiasporism, » a concept dear to Kouoh, refers to solidarity and understanding among Black communities worldwide, whether they are in Africa, America, Europe, or elsewhere. Such a vision places art as a catalyst for global reconciliation and unity.

A career fueled by diversity

Before heading the Zeitz-Mocaa Museum, Koyo Kouoh founded the Raw Material Company art center in Dakar, Senegal, an institution dedicated to promoting contemporary African art. Her international career has been built on constant dialogue between artists, institutions, and the public. She has worked with prominent artists and organized groundbreaking exhibitions that have redefined the contours of African art.

Kouoh has also drawn from her Swiss and Cameroonian roots to build bridges between Africa and Europe, as well as between Africa and its diasporas. Her work highlights cultural intersections and the multiple dimensions of Black identity, never losing sight of colonial history and its effects.

A promising future for African art on the global stage

Koyo Kouoh’s appointment to the Venice Biennale is a triumph for African art but also for the visibility of women in the arts. She represents a new generation of curators and commissioners who place diversity, inclusivity, and cultural heritage at the core of their concerns. By opening the door for global discussions on identity, culture, and history, she is paving the way for future generations of African artists.

The 61st edition of the Biennale, under her direction, will certainly be a turning point in how African art is perceived and understood worldwide. Koyo Kouoh is not merely following in the footsteps of her predecessors; she is writing her own chapter, with innovative ideas, powerful works, and a clear vision of what art should offer for the future.