Marie-Noëlle Koyo Kouoh, one of the most influential curators in contemporary African art, has passed away at the age of 57. Born in Douala, Cameroon, Kouoh’s journey spanned continents and careers, from finance in Zurich to the forefront of global art curation.

In 2008, Kouoh founded Raw Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, a pioneering art residency and curatorial platform that became a vital space for critical thinking, mentorship, and artistic experimentation across Africa. Her vision positioned Dakar as a key hub in the international art scene.

Kouoh’s global prominence was solidified with her appointment in 2019 as Executive Director and Chief Curator of Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, the largest museum of contemporary African art. Under her leadership, the institution overcame financial turbulence and regained cultural relevance. Her 2022–2023 landmark exhibition, “When We See Us”, explored a century of Black figuration in painting, earning widespread acclaim for its depth, scholarship, and emotional resonance.

Shortly before her death, Kouoh had been appointed the first African woman to serve as commissioner for the Venice Biennale, a historic recognition of her curatorial brilliance and dedication to amplifying African voices in global art discourse.

Tributes have poured in from across the world, celebrating her legacy as a visionary, mentor, and cultural force who transformed how African art is viewed and valued. Her contributions will continue to influence generations of artists, curators, and thinkers across the continent and beyond.

Image Source:theguardian.com