Koyo Kouoh, a prominent force in the contemporary art scene and the first African woman to curate the Venice Biennale, died at 57 due to cancer. Announced by the Biennale, her death marks a significant loss for the art community. Kouoh was celebrated for her passion and intellectual dedication, having worked on the 2026 Biennale prior to her passing. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her condolences, acknowledging the impact of her untimely death. The future of the upcoming Biennale remains uncertain as officials prepare for a press conference on May 20 regarding Kouoh's vision for the event.
Kouoh's passing leaves an immense void in the world of contemporary art and in the international community of artists, curators, and scholars who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her appointment as curator for the Biennale was seen as a reinforcement of its cutting-edge reputation, reflecting her 'refined, young, and disruptive intelligence'.
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