I am Bahati.
I was born in Munanira (Burundi, 1992) where I lived until the age of four.
Being of Belgian and Congolese descent, other than my first and last name being extremely Flemish, I am my mothers daughter. An African woman. And proud.
I started painting four years ago, very detailed and vibrant figurative paintings inspired by my African heritage.
My work centers around bright colors in combination with black bodies being celebrated in a world without the white gaze. Pulling from childhood memories and current events.
There’s a softness and certain flow in my work. But the way these black bodies come across, filling space, is very loud.
I am a woman, I am a daughter, I am a sister,
I am a friend.
But closest to my heart
I am Bahati.
One should always shoot their shot and reach for the moon.
