Meet Synthia Bahati – the Tāmaki Makaurau-based contemporary artist, photographer, and content creator whose practice is rooted in beauty, fashion, and the richness of the African diaspora.
Of Burundian descent, Synthia’s work explores identity, gender, and self-determination through a lens shaped by her upbringing and community. With an MFA from Elam and a day-to-day life that sees her creating across art and fashion landscapes (including her role as Digital Content Producer at PublicLibrary Showroom), Synthia is all about visual storytelling and creative collaboration.
This month, she shares ten things she’s currently loving – from cosy cardigans and nostalgic scents to artists who inspire her and tools that keep her grounded.
My Nineteen99 black beanie. I may be a little biased but I like this as an accessory to my outfit and it also keeps me warm as an anemic girly but to be honest I just like the design. It’s unique and different to a lot of other designs out there.
Sacredclowns! I love everything about this piece here. One of my new favourites from them.
I love the Oud NZ Amara scent. I need a top up actually but it lasts all night and it smells divine! It’s the perfect addition to your handbag.
I love this Matilda Zip cardigan. I haven’t always been a cardigan girl but this one is just too cozy and I think the zip rather than the buttons does it for me!
This one is an old one but a classic. The Gloss Bomb, Fenty Glow lips gloss. I love the shade so much, especially with my skin tone. Paired with a good lip liner. Yes!
Renell Medrano! An amazing artist, she is incredible. She captures life in such a beautiful, nostalgic way. You feel like you are in that moment captured. Her recent work for BadBunny is so beautiful. One of my biggest inspirations and favourite artists.
Nike T90s, I need to get the silver ones. I love sneakers, especially for everyday wear. It just makes things easier, especially when I’m working.
Sashadoesnailz, I love getting my nails done. Whenever I want to spice them up a little or do something different Sasha is amazing and super lovely and welcoming.
My forever love. My point and shoot camera. We have been through a lot together, seen so much together and I would recommend getting one to everyone and anyone. Film or digital. Capture those memories, document your life. It’s important to document your life and have something to remember when you are here.
A new one for me. I’ve been doing some journaling. Reflecting and thinking about where I am at the moment. I think this comes with having a lot of change in my life the last few years. It helps me remember where I am at, where I have been and where I’d like to go. I feel super thankful to be here and want to remind myself to keep chasing my dreams and get out of my head.
