Ghana’s creative arts community is mourning the loss of celebrated artist, architect, poet and cultural advocate Sharon Dede Padi, affectionately known as Padiki, the founder and CEO of Padiki Art Gallery.
Although an official statement is yet to be issued, her passing has been confirmed by close family members and sources within the creative arts industry.
Padiki was widely admired for her unwavering commitment to preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage and nurturing emerging artists. Through her gallery and numerous artistic initiatives, she championed creativity, mentorship and the use of art as a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural expression.
She gained international recognition after setting the Guinness World Record for the largest leaf-print painting, creating a 54.33-square-metre artwork made entirely from natural leaves to depict the Ghanaian flag. The achievement showcased her innovative approach to art while highlighting the beauty and sustainability of natural materials.
Beyond her record-breaking accomplishment, Padiki continued to use her work to spark conversations about history, identity and heritage. One of her most recent exhibitions featured symbolic shackles displayed during Ghana’s commemoration of Juneteenth at Osu Castle, reflecting on the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the enduring quest for freedom and justice.
