'We have truly lost the titan of the art world'
Late Zeitz MOCAA Executive Director and Chief Curator Koyo Kouoh. Mehdi Benkler
Image: Mehdi Benkler
Those who wish to honour and pay their respects to the remarkable legacy, leadership, and dedication of Koyo Kouoh, may do so at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) Scheryn Arena.
Cameroonian curator Kouoh, the head of the top contemporary art museum in Africa and first African woman appointed to lead the Venice Biennale, died Saturday, the Zeitz MOCAA confirmed.
The museum had closed to the public and suspended all public programming, and reopened on Tuesday.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Kouoh, can visit the Zeitz MOCAA's Scheryn Arena on Level 0. Guests can also leave messages of condolence and remembrance in the space.
Those unable to visit the museum are welcome to add a message to the digital tributes by visiting the museum's website.
'Our thoughts are with Koyo's family at this time,' Zeitz MOCAA said.
Tributes have been pouring in from around the globe, highlighting the impact of Kouoh's life on the art world.
Iziko Museums of South Africa said her sudden passing was a profound loss to the cultural heritage and museum sectors, impacting the arts fraternity in Cape Town, Africa, and across the globe.
'Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence the arts community for years to come.'
Goodman Gallery said: 'Together with both the South African and global art community we mark the loss of a curatorial leader whose vision shaped global dialogues.'
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe said it was with great sadness that they learnt of the sudden death of friend and constant collaborator, Kouoh.
'Koyo's influence and encouraging presence here in Zimbabwe, on the globe, will be a void that will be felt. She worked with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe over the course of the last decade and her contribution to the development of Zimbabwe art is unfathomable.
'We have truly lost the titan of the art world."
The Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) said the influential curator shaped contemporary African art and inspired a generation of artists and curators.
'Koyo was a dear friend and steadfast supporter of NCAI from our very beginning, having been present at the first gathering where the idea for NCAI was born. Her unwavering belief in our vision helped transform what was once just a dream into the vibrant community we are today.
'Her visionary work not only left an indelible mark on the African and global art world but charted a path forward for so many who followed in her footsteps. Koyo served as a lodestar in our community - a champion of spirit and imagination who made so much possible for countless artists, curators, and institutions across the global art community.'
Cape Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
RIP Darren Scott: SA stars who lost their battle with cancer
Popular shock jock Darren Scott's death has no doubt came as a shock to many South Africans. Earlier this week, the veteran radio presenter lost his long battle with melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The 61-year-old former – who worked for 5FM, East Coast Radio, and more recently, HOT 102.7FM r- His funeral details have yet to be made public. On Tuesday, 27 May, South Africans woke up to the sad news of Darren Scott's passing. The radio star had been diagnosed with melanoma in 1986, which recently turned aggressive in 2023. He leaves behind an ex-wife, Sarah-Kate, and two sons, Matthew and Mark. Sadly, Darren Scott is not the only well-known South African who lost their battle with cancer. Don Mlangeni In April, the former Isidingo actor died after a brief battle with prostate cancer. The veteran actor kept his illness a secret from the public. Michelle Botes In December 202, one of SA soapie's original villains- the actress who played Cherel De Villiers- died of a rare and incurable blood cancer. Zoleka Mandela In 2023, the granddaughter of the late Nelson Mandela lost her battle with breast cancer, which had tragically spread throughout her body. Derek Watts Like Darren Scott, the former Carte Blanche presenter, also died from an aggressive form of melanoma. Angie Oeh The Afrikaans rapper – real name Angelique Greeff – lost her battle with stage four lung cancer in 2023. She was just 24 years old. James Alexander In 2023, the Binnelanders actor died after a secret four-year battle with head and neck cancer. He was 45 years old. Mark Pilgrim The beloved radio personality died from stage four lung cancer in 2023. Mark had shared his year-long cancer battle with his fans on his social media accounts. Jeremy Mansfield In 2022, Jeremy – also a veteran radio presenter – died after being diagnosed with stage four liver cancer just months earlier. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Black Coffee's girlfriend likes 'stealing husband' comment
Victoria Gonzalez has continued to flaunt her relationship with Black Coffee by spamming her Instagram account with pictures of the couple happily in love and travelling the world. However, the Venezuelan model has seemingly thrown shade at the DJ's ex-wife, Enhle Mbali, by liking several controversial comments. Enhle and Black Coffee – real name Nkosinathi Maphumalo – called time on their nuptials in 2019, coincidentally the same year he began dating Victoria. In her latest Instagram post, Victoria Gonzalez posted a collage of pictures of 'life lately'. The post included many loved-up moments with her DJ bae, Black Coffee. Under the post, many fans of the SA hitmaker congratulated the model on her romance.e A few critics also jumped into the comments, accusing Victoria of being a 'homewrecker.' Shadily, Victoria comments that read: 'Misadi wa ho utswa banna ba batho sies [The trick of stealing people's husbands, sies]', and 'Bragging about her love, she's really marking her territory and you know we're watching her'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VIC 🏹❤️ (@victoriagonzalezzg) Victoria Gonzalez's Instagram post comes after she revealed that she had celebrated a relationship milestone. This week, the couple posted images of their fifth anniversary on their Instagram Stories. In the pics, taken in 2019 and again in 2025, Black Coffee and Victoria posed on the streets of Milan, where they hugged and kissed each other. The revelation of the relationship has had many South Africans scratching their heads about the timeline of their relationship. In 2019, Black Coffee and Enhle Mbali announced their official separation. The actress accused her ex of cheating with multiple women during their marriage. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10 hours ago
- The South African
Rigged? Zoalize fails to make Miss World Top 40
South African pageant fans are crying foul after Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg failed to place in the Top 40 of the Miss World on Saturday, 31 May. The law student was a clear favourite in the run-up to the finale, and she even scooped the award for best designer for her gown inspired by SA's national flower, the Protea. Miss World – which took place in India – was won by Thailand's Opal Suchata. Despite being hailed as a strong contender, Zoalize van Rensburg's fans were shocked when she failed to make the Top 40 or quarter-finals. The first round saw over 100 contestants being whittled down to just 40 finalists – ten for each continental region. Africa's finalists were Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, Somalia, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Ultimately, Ethiopia's Hasset Dereje was crowned Miss World Africa. Opal Suchata later became the first Thai representative to be crowned Miss World. On social media, pageant fans were shocked that many of their favourites – particularly South Africa's Zoalize – had not made the cut. Pageant enthusiast @the_pageant_prince was shocked at South Africa's exclusion, posting,' Zoalize was loved and the winner on so many pages. And to not make the Top 40, what? It's just not possible!' Others like @ntsxki called out Miss World for essentially rigging the pageant, posting, 'They're eliminating the competition for their pre-determined winner'. Another, @meli0.2 added of Zoalize being snubbed: 'Daylight robbery'. While Miss World South Africa has not officially commented on Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg's early exit, franchise owner Carol Bouwer did repost a telling message from a pageant fan account. It read: 'Today's outcome was deeply disappointing. I know that many people are expecting an outrage from us. But I do hope that we will keep calm and accept the Miss World organisation's decision. 'Speaking ill will not only reflect on us bad as a country. But mess up chances for other representatives in the future'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
