The sudden death of Koyo Kouoh, aged 57, has left a deep void in the African and international art scene. Cameroonian by birth, trained in Switzerland and based in Senegal and South Africa, Kouoh was a key figure in the promotion of contemporary African art. At the time of her death, she was preparing to make history as the first African woman to direct the Venice Biennale. As director of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum in Cape Town, she led its transformation into a cultural institution of reference on the continent. Her vision combined management, curatorship and research with a firm commitment to Africanness.
In addition to her institutional career, Kouoh was a tireless mentor to new generations of artists and curators, especially women. Founder of RAW Material Company in Dakar, she promoted residencies, publications and exhibitions that propelled independent African artists to international recognition. Her legacy transcends exhibitions and awards: she taught how to build autonomous, sustainable African cultural institutions free from external pressures. His impact continues to resonate with those who today strive for a more diverse, just and representative art.
In the following video, Koyo Kouoh talks about institution building as a curatorial practice.
Source: theconversation.com 14/05/2024
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