New Venice Installation Honors Koyo Kouoh, the Late Biennale Curator

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Summary

  • A large-scale portrait of Koyo Kouoh by Derrick Adams is currently being showcased along the Rio della Tana in Venice
  • On view through September 24, the installation captures Kouoh’s radiant likeness and leading voice in the art world

With the 2026 Biennale just around the corner, a large public artwork honoring the late curator Koyo Kouoh has been unveiled in Venice. Created by American artist Derrick Adams, the installation celebrates Kouoh’s contributions to this year’s event and recognizes her lasting impact on the art world.

Elvira Kouoh, who died last May, made history as the first African woman to curate the Biennale. She was selected because of her strong support for modern and contemporary art created by people of African descent around the world. The exhibition’s title, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” reflects the significant responsibility of the curator’s role, as well as a joyful celebration of achievement.

This installation portrays the likeness and honors the legacy of Kouoh through Adams’ distinctive cubist style. Adams recently explained that joyful representations of Black life are central to their work, and aligned with Kouoh’s curatorial approach, which highlighted joy as both a form of resistance and a source of beauty.

This artwork honors Koyo by presenting her with a shining ‘JOY’ crown. The golden rays it gives off represent how bright and far-reaching her impact has been. The presentation was led by Francesco Bonami, who curated the 50th Venice Biennale and first met Kouoh when he asked her to be a judge for the Dreams and Conflict jury.

The new exhibit, In Minor Keys, curated by Kouoh, will open on May 9th, and Adams’ artwork will be displayed until September 24th. According to Kouoh’s statement about the exhibit, it’s time to move away from shocking displays and instead focus on quieter, more subtle expressions – to listen for the whispers and lower tones that protect the respect and well-being of all living things.

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2026-05-05 22:55