The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in Cape Town will close its doors on Thursday to honour the life and legacy of its Executive Director and Chief Curator, Koyo Kouoh, who passed away unexpectedly on 10 May in Switzerland.
Kouoh was a towering figure in contemporary art and known as a visionary, cultural leader and a fierce advocate for African and Afro-diasporic artistic expression.
Appointed in 2019, she led Zeitz MOCAA through a transformative period, redefining the museum’s curatorial voice and positioning it as a globally recognised platform for contemporary African art.
Her sudden passing came just months after she made history as the first African Artistic Director of the Venice Biennale, where she was curating the 61st edition titled “In Minor Keys”, scheduled to open in May 2026. The Biennale has confirmed that Kouoh’s vision will still shape the exhibition, to be realised by her core team.
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In a tribute shared via LinkedIn, David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront and Trustee of Zeitz MOCAA said, “It has been with shock and a profound sadness that I received news of the sudden passing of Koyo… In getting to know Koyo over the years since her acceptance of the job to lead Zeitz MOCAA, I, in the role of Trustee and Co-Chair of the museum, had come to appreciate a true sense of her love for what art and artists bring to the world.
“She held an intense conviction that elevating African art was her calling and she extended herself to creating spaces and relationships that would make this possible. Her passing is untimely, and I am going to miss her counsel and friendship immensely,” said Green.
Tribute Details for Koyo Kouoh
Guests are invited to the Scheryn Arena on Level 0 to pay their respects and leave messages of condolence. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed online, or they can leave an online tribute message via the Zeitz MOCCA museum website.
Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Time: 4 PM (SAST)
Join Online: Register to join the live stream