The art community continues to mourn the loss of Koyo Kouoh, the influential artistic director of the 2026 Venice Biennale, who passed away unexpectedly last year. In an inspiring tribute, artist Derrick Adams is set to unveil a monumental installation in her honor this week in Venice.
Adams will showcase a large-scale version of his collage titled Heavy is the head that wears the crown (2026) on the facade of the Palazzetto dello sport Giobatta Gianquinto. This striking piece, positioned near the Arsenale, one of the Biennale's primary venues, features a stylized portrait of Kouoh, represented through geometric shapes. Above her, the word "JOY" radiates golden rays, symbolizing her vibrant spirit.
"My hope is that this significant contribution serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and the importance of honoring those who have dedicated themselves to the creative community," Adams expressed in an interview.
The idea for this tribute was initiated by Francesco Bonami, who has curated the presentation. Bonami first met Kouoh when he invited her to be part of the Golden Lion jury in 2003. Although they did not collaborate afterward, their friendship endured, and he closely followed her impactful career.
"I sensed she would be chosen for the Biennale, so I reached out to encourage her," Bonami noted. "We had plans to discuss our experiences in Venice, but sadly, that meeting never materialized."
Following Kouoh's passing, Bonami visited Adams, who was already creating a series of drawings dedicated to influential Black figures in various fields. "I proposed we create a tribute in Venice for Koyo," Bonami recalled. "Despite only meeting her briefly, we revisited her interviews discussing joy in relation to art, which inspired our project."
Adams emphasized the importance of celebrating those who uplift others, especially during challenging times. "Koyo Kouoh made significant contributions, and I wanted her legacy to be visible to everyone in Venice during the Biennale," he stated.
The choice to display the mural publicly aims to make it accessible to all, breaking away from the usual exclusivity of Biennale events. "I wanted my piece to resonate meaningfully with the public," Adams added.
The Biennale's professional previews commence this week, leading up to its public opening on May 9, where attendees will experience Kouoh's final exhibition. Bonami reflected on her enduring spirit: "Her strength transcends her physical absence. Powerful ideas have a way of surviving beyond life's tragedies."
Adams connected his tribute to broader societal themes, underscoring the importance of celebrating visionary individuals amid global challenges. "Even in times of political turmoil, we must honor those who envision a better future and advocate for the voiceless," he remarked.