Story & Lesson Highlights with Nadia Bautista of New York

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nadia Bautista. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Nadia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
For some time now, I’ve felt that my work has started to take a different direction. At first, it scared me a little because I wasn’t sure where it was leading me, but over time I understood that creative processes also involve transformation.
My photography has changed a lot since I first started taking photos 13 years ago. Still, I’ve never stopped, and I believe that when you dedicate so many years to something, there comes a moment when you need to push your own limits: to search for new forms, reinvent yourself, or simply accept that you’ve changed and that you’ve incorporated new perspectives and sensitivities.
At this stage, I’m also beginning to incorporate new media into my photographic practice, something I’ve wanted to explore for a long time as a natural extension of this ongoing evolution.
I feel very proud that I didn’t let fear take over and that I chose to keep going despite time, doubts, and fears; and, above all, to understand that what really happens is that you keep adding, integrating, and growing.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nadia Bautista and I have been a visual artist and photographer for over 13 years.
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but I have been living in New York for the past two years.

My work focuses on identity, gender and the body, with the aim of highlighting and empowering identities that have been historically marginalized by hegemonic discourse.

Currently, I am working on an upcoming exhibition, a solo show in New York scheduled for March 2026.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The first memory that comes to mind is when I was about 4 years old and roller skating. I competed in professional competitions for four years, which feels so young when I think about it now. But I have this vivid memory of feeling so powerful and unstoppable, being able to glide on skates, pick up speed, jump through the air, even fall and get right back up again. It was such a freeing feeling, and I think that’s when I first understood the strength and confidence I could have in myself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust that things will fall into place. To have patience with myself and not let anxiety push me into forcing solutions before their time. Life has a way of working out, and I would remind myself that it’s okay to take things one step at a time.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
In Argentina, friendship is highly valued. The gatherings, the spontaneity, the long conversations without a set end time, there’s a sense of ease among friends that I hold onto and want to carry with me wherever I go.
New York is a tough city when it comes to finding time to just be present without scheduling everything, but even here, I make it a priority to be surrounded by friends, to bring people together, and to let the connections grow as much as possible.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m talking to my friends and family, knowing that they’re doing well. It brings me peace to know that nothing bad is happening to them, and that they’re safe and happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://misscomplejo.format.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misscomplejo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misscomplejo

Image Credits
Models:

@itsvioss
@naxoriel
@thekaiserofmord
@power_c
@tzara_tzara
@m4p4s
@mariquitx