Koyo Kouoh Curates Biennale Arte 2026 for Zeitz MOCAA

Dec 3, 2024 at 9:45 AM
Koyo Kouoh has made significant contributions to the art world through her curated exhibitions. Her work showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions and cultural perspectives.

Unveiling the Artistic Vision of Koyo Kouoh

Body Talk: Feminism, Sexuality and the Body in African Women Artists

In 2015, Koyo Kouoh organized the meaningful and timely exhibition "Body Talk" at Wiels in Brussels, Belgium. This exhibition explored the intersection of feminism, sexuality, and the body in the works of six African women artists. It provided a platform for these artists to showcase their unique perspectives and creative expressions. The show was a significant event that sparked important conversations and brought attention to the work of these talented artists.Another notable exhibition curated by Kouoh is "Still (the) Barbarians" in 2016. This was the 37th EVA International, the Ireland Biennial held in Limerick. The exhibition demonstrated her ability to curate shows that challenge and engage audiences. It offered a fresh perspective on contemporary art and cultural issues.

Dig Where You Stand: Carnegie International Exhibition

In 2018, Kouoh participated in the 57th Carnegie International in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With the deeply researched exhibition project "Dig Where You Stand", she drew from the collections of the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. This show within a show was a testament to her meticulous curatorial approach and her ability to create meaningful connections between different artworks and cultural contexts.

Curating at 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair

From 2013 to 2017, Kouoh served as the Curator of the Educational and Artistic Programme of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London and New York. Her role in this prestigious art fair allowed her to showcase a wide range of African art and connect artists with a global audience. She played a crucial role in promoting African art and culture on an international stage.

Initiating Research Projects

Kouoh was the initiator of the research project "Saving Bruce Lee: African and Arab Cinema in the Era of Soviet Cultural Diplomacy" in 2015-2018. Co-curated with Rasha Salti at the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow and Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin, this project explored the intersection of African and Arab cinema with Soviet cultural diplomacy. It added a new dimension to her curatorial work and demonstrated her ability to engage with diverse cultural and historical contexts.

Publications and Curatorial Focus at Zeitz MOCAA

During her tenure at Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh's curatorial work focused on in-depth solo exhibitions by African and African-descent artists. She has organized exhibitions with artists such as Otobong Nkanga, Johannes Phokela, Senzeni Marasela, Abdoulaye Konaté, Tracey Rose, and Mary Evans. These exhibitions have showcased the talent and creativity of these artists and contributed to the growth and development of African art.Kouoh's extensive list of publications, including "When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting" (2022), "Shooting Down Babylon" (2022), "Breathing Out of School: RAW Académie" (2021), "Condition Report on Art History in Africa" (2020), "Word!Word?Word! Issa Samb and The Undecipherable Form" (2013), and "Condition Report on Building Art Institutions in Africa" (2012), further showcases her knowledge and expertise in the field of art. These publications provide valuable insights and analysis, contributing to the ongoing discourse on African art and culture.