A mural honoring Koyo Kouoh, the late curator of the 2025 Venice Biennale, has been unveiled in Venice. Created by US artist Derrick Adams, the collage titled "Heavy is the head that wears the crown" adorns the facade of the Palazzetto dello sport Giobatta Gianquinto near the Arsenale. Kouoh died on 10 May 2025 at age 57 after a cancer diagnosis. The tribute was organized by curator Francesco Bonami, who had invited Kouoh to join the jury for the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003.
The mural matters because it memorializes a pivotal figure in the contemporary art world whose vision shaped one of the most prestigious international exhibitions. Kouoh's appointment as curator of the 2025 Venice Biennale marked a historic moment for African curatorial leadership, and this public artwork ensures her legacy remains visible in the city where she was set to make her mark. The tribute also highlights the enduring connections between artists and curators that define the biennale ecosystem.