In a landmark decision, Koyo Kouoh, one of Africa’s most esteemed curators, has been appointed to organize the 2026 Venice Biennale, the world’s most prestigious recurring art exhibition. This marks a pivotal moment in the art world, as Kouoh becomes only the second African-born curator to hold this position, following Okwui Enwezor’s groundbreaking 2015 edition.
Born in Cameroon and now a Swiss resident, Kouoh currently serves as executive director and chief curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art in Cape Town, South Africa. Under her leadership, the museum has hosted exhibitions that have reshaped contemporary African art narratives, including When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting (2022), widely hailed as a defining exploration of contemporary black identity, and solo exhibitions by influential artists such as Tracey Rose and Otobong Nkanga.
Kouoh’s transformative influence extends beyond museum walls. In 2008, she founded RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, establishing an independent platform for artistic discourse in a region with few such spaces. Her work has also been integral to major international art events, including serving on the curatorial teams of two Documentas (2007, 2012) and leading exhibitions for Ireland’s EVA International and the Carnegie International.
Reflecting on her new role, Kouoh said, “It is a once-in-a-lifetime honor and privilege... to compose an exhibition that I hope will carry meaning for the world we currently live in—and most importantly, for the world we want to make.” She emphasized the unique role of artists as “visionaries and social scientists,” whose work inspires critical reflection and forward-thinking imagination.
Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, president of the Venice Biennale, praised Kouoh’s appointment, describing her as a curator whose influence combines scholarly depth with a forward-thinking ethos. “La Biennale confirms what it has offered the world for over a century: to be the home of the future,” he said.
Kouoh’s appointment comes amid concerns about the Biennale’s future under Buttafuoco’s leadership. Known for his right-wing affiliations, Buttafuoco faced skepticism about how his politics might affect the institution’s legacy. The 2024 edition, conceived before his tenure, maintained a focus on queer perspectives and the Global South, suggesting continuity. However, Kouoh’s 2026 exhibition will be the first true test of Buttafuoco’s influence and Kouoh’s ability to navigate this potentially fraught environment.
Koyo Kouoh’s appointment is a significant milestone, signaling a broader recognition of African perspectives in global art discourse. As Kouoh prepares to helm the 2026 Venice Biennale, she carries with her a legacy of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to shaping a more inclusive and reflective art world.
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