Ghanaian toddler sets world record. At just 1 year and 152 days old, Ace-Liam Nana Sam Ankrah from Ghana is the world’s youngest male artist. His mother, Chantelle, also an artist, discovered his passion for painting when he was just 6 months old.
“While learning to crawl, I spread out a piece of canvas on the floor and dropped some paint on it to keep him busy while I worked,” she explained. “He ended up spreading the paint all over the canvas, creating his first masterpiece titled The Crawl. It was clear that he found a lot of joy in it.”
Since then, Ace-Liam has gained attention from national and international media, and even the First Lady of Ghana.
“He has sparked a conversation about art appreciation and discovering talents in kids,” Chantelle commented.
With over 20 paintings to his name, Ace-Liam participated in his first group exhibition, The Soundout Premium Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ghana. There, 10 of his artworks were displayed and nine were sold.
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Ace-Liam loves the feel of paint on his hands, the bright colors, and the freedom to express himself through painting. “It’s a fun and creative outlet for him,” Chantelle said. “He enjoys exploring and creating without limitations.”
Ever since he started talking, he has asked to paint, making it his favorite activity. His art is more about expression and exploration rather than specific messages, inspired by the world around him—colors, shapes, textures, and his mood.
His painting sessions are spontaneous and guided by his mood. After setting up his painting area, he chooses the canvas size and colors, and then starts applying paint carefully yet spontaneously. Sessions can last from a few minutes to half an hour, and sometimes he returns to finish a painting after a couple of days.
After his record was approved, Ace-Liam’s family began exploring opportunities for quality education to nurture his talent. They are seeking international scholarships and opportunities to sell his artworks.
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Chantelle advises parents to encourage and support their child’s interests, no matter how early they appear: “Every child is unique, and nurturing their passions can lead to amazing discoveries and achievements.”
For those wanting to break a world record, she emphasizes the importance of following the rules carefully and finding joy in the journey.