Ghana’s creative arts community mourns the passing of renowned visual artist, poet, cultural advocate, and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
The celebrated artist died at the age of 50, according to reports that surfaced on Tuesday. The cause of her death has not been disclosed, and her family is yet to issue an official statement.
Padiki shot to international fame by setting the Guinness World Record for the largest leaf-print painting. Her stunning 54.33-square-metre artwork depicting the Ghanaian flag, created entirely from natural leaves, highlighted both her artistic ingenuity and a powerful celebration of Ghana’s cultural heritage.
Ghana’s Dede Padi Unveils Largest Leaf-Print Painting In The World
As the founder and CEO of Padiki Art Gallery, she was a passionate mentor to young creatives and a strong proponent of art as a vehicle for storytelling, education, and cultural preservation. A trained architect and accomplished poet, Padiki dedicated her career to showcasing African identity, history, and heritage through innovative works that masterfully blended nature and visual art. Her paintings, books, exhibitions, and public engagements earned her widespread admiration both at home and abroad.
News of her death has triggered an outpouring of tributes across social media, with artists, public figures, and members of the creative industry honouring her immense contributions to Ghana’s arts landscape.
Though Sharon Dede Padiki will continue to inspire generations of creatives to come.