Ocean of Threads: An Exhibition Merging Art and Marine Conservation in Larnaca

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Ocean of Threads: An Exhibition Merging Art and Marine Conservation in Larnaca

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October 9, 2024

A groundbreaking fusion of art, fashion, and environmental activism has taken shape off the coast of Larnaca, thanks to Cypriot artist Michalis Pantelidis. His unique exhibition, titled Ocean of Threads, immerses visitors into an underwater world while delivering a powerful message on marine conservation. This innovative display, which runs until the end of the year, features six captivating aluminum-printed artworks on the sunken vessel LEF1, located within the Oroklini marine protected area.

A Unique Location and Message

What sets this exhibition apart is not just its striking artwork but its extraordinary location beneath the waves. The choice of aluminum as the medium was intentional, ensuring the pieces endure the marine environment while emphasizing the need for ocean preservation. “This exhibition celebrates the hidden treasures of Cyprus, especially those beneath the surface,” explains Pantelidis. His mission? To raise awareness of the oceans’ critical role in our environment and the need to protect them for future generations.

Pantelidis’ pieces do more than offer visual allure; they highlight the vibrant marine life of Cyprus, juxtaposed against the growing threats posed by pollution and environmental degradation. Each artwork tells a story of commitment to sustainability while incorporating eco-friendly materials, bridging the gap between art and environmental responsibility.

Fashion as a Medium for Environmental Advocacy

In addition to his underwater masterpieces, Pantelidis has found a way to intertwine fashion with his eco-conscious message. He repurposes plastic waste, transforming everyday materials into eye-catching scarves and dresses. These fashion items, crafted from recycled plastic bottles, showcase intricate designs inspired by underwater photographs taken by local photographer Alexandros Papandreou.

Pantelidis credits the documentary A Plastic Ocean for sparking his dedication to the fight against plastic pollution. “It opened my eyes to the vast amounts of plastic waste choking our planet,” he says, revealing how it shaped his approach to both art and fashion.

Pantelidis’ environmental journey was also influenced by his internship with renowned sustainable couture designer Ronald Van Der Kemp. “He shaped my understanding of reuse and how discarded materials can be given new life in fashion,” Pantelidis notes. This hands-on experience drove him to experiment with recycled materials, resulting in stylish yet eco-conscious fashion that reflects the beauty and fragility of the ocean.

Underwater Art: A Living Tapestry

At the heart of Ocean of Threads lies the artwork itself, which is printed on aluminum and submerged alongside the artificial reef. Over time, the ocean will gradually interact with the metal canvases, transforming them into a living part of the marine ecosystem. “The underwater photographs I’ve captured reveal the unseen beauty of our oceans,” Pantelidis remarks. These pieces serve not only as a celebration of marine life but as a reminder of the fragile ecosystems that exist just beneath the surface, urging viewers to take responsibility for their preservation.

While Pantelidis is not a diver, he is deeply connected to the sea, finding solace in the rhythmic motion of the waves and the boundless horizon. His collection reflects a deep reverence for the ocean and acts as a metaphor for its beauty and vulnerability—a world many overlook or take for granted.

A Collaborative Effort for Conservation

The vision for Ocean of Threads wouldn’t have come to life without the support of various key partners, including the Larnaca Tourism Board and the fisheries department. Their collaboration not only made the project feasible but added valuable insights, such as the use of aluminum to ensure durability in the underwater environment. This teamwork has turned the exhibition into a community initiative, broadening its focus from art to marine conservation awareness.

Pantelidis hopes his work will transcend admiration and inspire action. “Art has the power to connect with people on an emotional level that data and statistics can’t,” he asserts. “By experiencing something visually powerful and beautiful, people may feel compelled to engage with the issues and take action.”

Exhibition Details

The Ocean of Threads exhibition is open from September 18 until the end of the year on the submerged vessel LEF1, located in the Oroklini marine protected area off the coast of Larnaca. Divers and visitors can access the exhibition by private boat, giving them a rare chance to experience this underwater fusion of art and conservation firsthand.