Koyo Kouoh, Prominent Art World Figure, Is Dead at 57

Koyo Kouoh, a prominent figure in the art world, has passed away at the age of 57. Kouoh was a curator, cultural producer, and founder of RAW Material Company, a center for art, knowledge, and society in Dakar, Senegal. She was known for her commitment to showcasing contemporary African art and promoting dialogue and exchange between artists and audiences around the world.

Born in Cameroon, Kouoh studied economics and management before turning her focus to the arts. She worked as a curator at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. before moving to Europe, where she curated exhibitions at institutions such as Documenta 12 in Kassel, Germany and the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London.

Kouoh was a leading voice in the global art world, advocating for greater representation and recognition of African artists and challenging the dominant narratives of Western art institutions. She was known for her innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions that explored themes of identity, history, and politics in contemporary African art.

In addition to her work as a curator, Kouoh was a mentor and educator, inspiring a new generation of artists and curators through her teaching and mentorship programs. She was a passionate advocate for the power of art to create social change and foster dialogue across cultures and communities.

Kouoh’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the art world, with many colleagues and friends mourning the loss of a visionary and trailblazer in the field. Her legacy will live on through the artists she supported, the exhibitions she curated, and the ideas she championed.

As we remember Koyo Kouoh, let us honor her legacy by continuing to champion diversity, inclusion, and dialogue in the arts. May her passion for art and social justice inspire us to create a more equitable and inclusive art world for future generations.