“Written in the Stars” by Nina Bantoto

Galerie Joaquin Podium

September 19 – 29, 2026

Welcome to the cosmic universe of Nina Bantoto, where the ancient mysteries of the night sky are brought to life through a brilliant spectrum of color, emotion, and profound human connection. As a 30 year old international artist with autism, Nina has surpassed her boundaries to communicate through a visual medium on her own.

Known among her family and friends for her remarkable photographic memory, she translates her vivid inner world into breathtaking artworks across acrylics, charcoal, colored pencils and digital mediums. Her third solo art exhibit, “Written in the Stars”, marks an exciting evolution in her creative journey. Following her impressive debut exhibit “Chiquitita” in 2018 and her successful 2024 Chinese zodiac themed showcase “Enter the Dragon”, Nina now turns her focus to the magic of the Western Zodiac signs.

Driven by a lifelong fascination with birth years and birth months, Nina intricately maps the 12 astrological signs onto the canvas. Each piece captures the unique essence, light and energy of the stars, rendering the cosmos not as a cold vacuum, but as a warm, vibrant tapestry of colors.

Nina’s extraordinary talent has earned her international recognition, with her work proudly exhibited at the United Nation General Headquarters and the Philippine Consulate in New York and in Macau.

Beyond her mastery, Nina uses her “Special Hands” to champion acceptance and inclusivity. Part of the proceeds of her exhibits will once again be donated to the REACH Foundation (Rehabiltation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicap Foundation, Inc.) REACH Foundation is a non-stock, non profit organization that provides quality and accessible therapy, health, education and related services for persons with disabilities. And as a proud Ambassador for Best Buddies Philippines and Precious Works of Differently Abled Enterprise (PWDe), She continues to prove that autism is not a barrier to greatness. It is simply a different and beautiful lens through which to view the world.

“Written in the Stars” invites you to look upward and inward, exploring a celestial world meticulously charted by an artist whose path was always destined to shine bright.