Godfried Donkor Heads to Venice with a Tribute to History, Power and Koyo Kouoh

Key Takeaways

• New painting "Michael and the Dragon II" debuts at Venice
• Works revisit 1817 Yam Custom illustration, linking Africa-Europe histories
• Tribute honors late curator Koyo Kouhou's influence
• Donkor's Venice show precedes UK solo and Berlin group exhibitions

Pulse Analysis

The 61st Venice Biennale remains the art world’s most prestigious platform for global dialogue, and Godfried Donkor’s inclusion marks a milestone for contemporary African creators. Presenting a newly commissioned canvas, *Michael and the Dragon II*, alongside four historically rooted works, the Ghana‑born artist bridges mythic allegory with the brutal reality of the trans‑Atlantic slave trade. The exhibition also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late curator Koyo Kouhou, whose curatorial vision helped shape the narrative of African art on the world stage.

Donkor’s practice is defined by a collage of archival sources, gold leaf, and bold pigments that turn newspapers into visual testimonies of power. In *Michael and the Dragon II* the Financial Times page becomes a backdrop, exposing how market data can mask historic exploitation. Earlier pieces such as *Queen Mother* and *FT Man* re‑interpret Thomas Edward Bowdich’s 1817 Yam Custom illustration, prompting viewers to reconsider the visual language that documented the Asante kingdom. By juxtaposing Chinese dragons, Brazilian slave ships, and contemporary financial symbols, Donkor refuses a single narrative, instead mapping a network of cultural exchange and oppression.

The Venice showing arrives alongside Donkor’s first UK solo at Firstsite, Colchester, and his participation in Berlin’s *Tirailleurs* group exhibition, underscoring a year of heightened visibility. These parallel projects amplify conversations about African labor, boxing, and the lingering economics of empire, attracting collectors and institutions eager to diversify their holdings. As museums and galleries worldwide prioritize narratives that confront colonial legacies, Donkor’s blend of historical research and contemporary aesthetics positions him as a leading voice in the market for African diaspora art. His work thus influences both cultural discourse and investment trends.