Bantera

João Gilberto Santiño, also known as Bantera (b. 1967, Luanda), is an abstract expressionist artist, currently based in Apeldoorn.  Although he adopted the pseudonym "Bantera", he often signs his works as "Beto". The name Bantera derives from the contraction of the words "Pantera" (which means panther in portuguese) and his middle name "Gilberto". Although, originally a childhood nickname, the artist later came to identify with it and, consequently, with the symbolism it carries.

Apart from being a painter, Bantera has a background in aeronautical engineering. In its turn, this multidisciplinary past, contributes to his works' experimental and interactive character.  Bantera's works are the personification of his own most inner thoughts and emotions. The many layers found in his works, represent the different realms of his subliminal self. In each piece he paints, the artist surrenders a  fragment of his being.