Death sucks.

It’s inevitable and the most persistent constant in the world. But it still sucks. Even more so when it comes early and after a protracted illness.

Death robbed us of Emmanuel Apraku, a fascinating Ghanaian illustrator. Better known as Ray Styles, he created beautiful and emotionally driven art that spoke on important issues. These included body positivity, injustice, racism, family, domestic violence, love, empowerment, womanhood, the cycle of life and romance among other themes.

It hurts to lose people. While we never met Ray Styles in person, he is one of our own. And it damn hurts to lose one of your own.

From his father’s craftsman influences to his art epiphany in university to creating the beloved Penciled Celebrities brand to his untimely death, Ray has fought a good fight. Now he rests.

The art world will miss Ray Styles and the Penciled Celebrities.

Rest in color.

To honour him, below are some of his beautiful illustrations along with links to interviews and features on him. See more of his wonderful work on his Instagram.

Ray Styles’ Illustration Portfolio

Ray Styles Interviews and Features

• Hyper-realistic drawings and caricatures of Ray Styles
• Ray Styles Wikipedia Feature
• Check Out Some Statement-Making Creatives From Penciled Celebrities
• The Lord of the Arts
• [Art Attack] Emmanuel Apraku, the Man Behind Ghana’s Revered Penciled Celebrities Artworks
• Ray Styles – the Ghanaian Artist Bucking the Trend and Following his Art
• Ghanaian Artist Recognised by Will Smith for ‘Bad Boys’ Art

Background

Emmanuel Apraku was a budding acrylic and oil painter and pencil sketch artist from Ghana.  He was the owner of Ray Styles Studios or “PenciledCelebrities” as his company is popularly known. He, along with three other partners formed the company in 2015. (source)

A fundraiser was started sometime in August 2020 to help with Ray Styles’ treatment. Thankfully, the goal was met and he was flown to India for this treatment. Ray sadly didn’t pull through and the universe recalled him into the cosmos on 1st October.

This was announced via his social media pages.

The heartfelt caption read:

We regret to announce the passing of Emmanuel Apraku, aka Ray Styles. This occurred on October 1st at the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, India. Please continue to pray for the soul of Ray. He fought a good fight but unfortunately lost the battle.⁣⁣⁣

The Maker needed His artist back. Thank you for giving Ray his flowers before his demise. He felt the love and appreciated each and every one of you. ⁣⁣⁣

Thank you.