At one year and 152 days, this toddler from Ghana becomes world’s youngest artist

A toddler aged one year 152 days, named Ace-Liam Nana Sam Ankrah, from Ghana has been named the world’s youngest male artist, by the Guinness World Records (GWR), as he has not only created over a dozen paintings but also sold nine of them.

About the record

Earlier this week, the toddler who is a little over one year old etched his name in the prestigious GWR after a five-month wait as the award-giving body ratified their attempt.

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To qualify, Ace-Liam needed to be part of a professional exhibition which was open to the general public and sell his work.

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The work, according to the GWR also had to be of a professional standard and they also had to provide evidence that the paintings presented were done by Ace-Liam himself.

About Ace-Liam’s journey and process

His mother Chantelle, who is also an artist, told the GWR that she discovered her son’s passion for painting when he was just six months old.

“While learning to crawl, I spread out a piece of unstretched canvas on the floor and dropped some paint on it as a way to keep him busy while I worked on a commission painting,” she explained.

Subsequently, Ace-Liam ended up “spreading the paint all over the canvas” and created his first masterpiece titled ‘The crawl’ said his mother. She added, “It was clear that he found a lot of joy in it.”

Since then the toddler hadgarnered a lot of attention including that of the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana. “He has created a buzz and heightened the conversation about art appreciation,” said Chantelle.

Ace-Liam participated in his first group exhibition, The Soundout Premium Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ghana with more than 20 of his paintings.

A total of 10 of his artworks were displayed and up for sale out of which nine were sold during the exhibition.

She also spoke about his process and how the one-year-old loves the feel of the paint on his hands and expressing himself through painting.

“It’s a fun and creative outlet for him, and he enjoys the freedom to explore and create without limitations,” Chantelle told the GWR.

Even after he started talking, his mother said he would ask if he could paint. She also explained that her son’s work is more about expression and exploration rather than conveying specific messages.

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Chantelle described Ace-Liam’s painting sessions as spontaneous and guided by his mood which can last anywhere from half an hour to a couple of days. “Once he’s done, he says ‘mama finish’.”

What’s next?

After he won the record, his family, according to the GWR, is now looking for opportunities to place him in an environment where his artistic talent could be nurtured through quality education.

“We are hoping to seek international scholarship opportunities as well as international opportunities for him to sell his artworks,” said Chantelle.

She also advised parents to encourage and support their child’s interests. “Every child is unique, and nurturing their passions can lead to amazing discoveries and achievements.”

(With inputs from agencies)