Curator's Vision Lives On: Venice Biennale Honors Fallen Star

The Venice Biennale's central exhibition, titled "In Minor Keys," will open on May 9, honoring the vision of its late curator, Koyo Kouoh. Kouoh passed away from liver cancer in May 2025, just months into her dream role.

Her curatorial team, guided by her three-page statement and artist list, has worked to realize her concept of an exhibition focused on emotional and sensory experiences rather than commentary on world events. The show will feature 110 artists and collectives, including Wangechi Mutu and Nick Cave.

Kouoh, born in Cameroon and based in Switzerland, was a prominent figure in the art world, known for championing African and diaspora artists. Her prior roles included directing the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town.

Despite Kouoh's sudden death, the Biennale's organizers and her husband, Philippe Mall, agreed to proceed with her exhibition. Her team, composed of curators and advisors, collaborated closely with artists, adapting plans as needed to maintain the spirit of Kouoh's vision.

This posthumous realization of an exhibition echoes another at this year's Biennale, where artist Henrike Naumann's work is being completed after her death from stomach cancer. Naumann also chose to keep her diagnosis private.

The process involved extensive effort from Kouoh's team, including contacting artists and finalizing commissions, demonstrating their commitment to honoring her legacy. Artist Theo Eshetu noted Kouoh's philosophy of acting as a "midwife for the artists," ensuring their prominence.