It is with great sorrow that we have learned of the passing of Sami Naadi, the renowned and distinguished Afghan-American sculptor, on August 25, 2024. With forty years of experience in sculpture and drawing, his work has garnered many admirers in both Europe and the United States. Two of his sculptures are housed in the White House, where they have been highly regarded by art enthusiasts.
Sami Naadi was undoubtedly one of Afghanistan’s foremost sculptors, living in the United States and striving to preserve Afghan history through the art of sculpture. He began learning the art of sculpture in 1979 at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Kabul, where he demonstrated extraordinary talent from the start. This talent later earned him a scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education, allowing him to study professionally in Minsk, in the former Soviet Union, where he attained a master’s degree in this esteemed art form.
The late Naadi created numerous works across Europe and America, earning high honors in both domestic and international exhibitions. In addition to his high artistic standing, he was known for his remarkable humanitarian spirit, contributing selflessly to human rights and social services organizations.
The ADFP also had the privilege of a close relationship with him, continually benefiting from his support and collaboration. We extend our deepest condolences to the Naadi family, the artistic community, and the free thinkers of Afghanistan on this profound loss.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory be cherished.
The ADFP Leadership Board
