Koyo Kouoh, an eminent figure in the art world, died at 57

Koyo Kouoh, one of the most important figures in the art world, who was to become the first African woman to organize the Venice Biennale, died on Saturday in Switzerland. She was 57 years old.

His death was confirmed by the organizers of the Biennale. The announcement did not quote or said where in Switzerland, she died.

The biennial said that “sudden and premature” death of Ms. Kouoh came a few days before she was to announce the title and the theme of next year’s event. The statement added that his death “leaves an immense void in the world of contemporary art”.

The Venice Biennale is undoubtedly the most important event in the world of art. Staged every two years since 1895, he still includes a large -scale group show, organized by the curator, alongside dozens of national pavilions, organized independently.

A spokesperson for the Biennale did not immediately respond to a request for comments on what Ms. Kouoh’s death would mean for next year’s exhibition, which should take place from May 9 to November 22.

As a conservator and executive director of Zeitz Mocaa, one of the greatest museums of contemporary art in Africa, Ms. Kouoh has acquired a world reputation as a flag holder for African colored artists and elsewhere, although her interests are global. “I am an international curator,” she said last December in an interview with The New York Times.