Ocean of threads

In an ambitious and groundbreaking initiative, Cypriot artist Michalis Pantelidis has combined his passions for art, fashion, and environmental activism to create Ocean of Threads, an exhibition unlike any other. Set beneath the waves off the coast of Larnaca, this one-of-a-kind display merges underwater beauty with a powerful message about ocean conservation. Running until the end of the year, six striking aluminum-printed artworks will be showcased on the sunken vessel LEF1, an artificial reef located in the sea off Oroklini.

What makes this exhibition truly stand out is its location – underwater – and its medium, aluminium, chosen to complement the marine environment and elevate the message of preservation. “This collection is about celebrating the hidden treasures of Cyprus, particularly those beneath the surface,” Michalis says. “Through it we aim to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans. If we want to continue enjoying them, we need to protect them.” Michalis’ artwork is more than just visually captivating. It tells the story of Cyprus’ vibrant marine life, juxtaposed against the increasing threat of pollution and environmental damage. Each piece reflects his artistic talents and commitment to sustainability, and this commitment is reflected in the very materials used for the fashion pieces tied to the exhibition.

In addition to his underwater art, Michalis has repurposed everyday plastic waste into striking fashion items. His scarves and dresses, created from recycled plastic bottles, feature intricate designs based on underwater photographs by local photographer Alexandros Papandreou. The fusion of art and fashion serves as both a visual delight and a symbol of hope in the fight against plastic pollution. “A few years ago, I watched a documentary called A Plastic Ocean, and it had a profound impact on me,” Michalis says. “It opened my eyes to the overwhelming amount of plastic waste polluting our planet.” This documentary sparked an internal shift for the artist, motivating him to explore new ways to make his art both meaningful and environmentally responsible.

But the shift didn’t happen overnight. “In 2020, I interned with Ronald Van Der Kemp, the first sustainable couture designer, and he really shaped my views on fashion, materials and the importance of reuse,” says Michalis. Drawing from these experiences, he began experimenting with discarded materials, such as plastic bottles, to create clothing that is both stylish and eco-conscious. “I was driven to create fashion pieces made from discarded materials, like plastic bottles, to not only showcase their potential in design but to also raise awareness of the pressing environmental challenges we face,” Michalis explains. His designs, adorned with underwater imagery, are a reflection of his desire to celebrate the ocean while highlighting the very real threat of plastic waste.

The heart of Ocean of Threads lies in the artwork itself. Printed on aluminum and submerged alongside the artificial reef, the six pieces are designed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. As marine life interacts with the metal canvases over time, the artworks will become part of the ocean’s living tapestry, creating an ever-changing display. But the art serves a greater purpose than aesthetic beauty. “The underwater photographs reflect the beauty we often overlook,” Michalis says. “They serve as a reminder of the incredible ecosystems that exist right at our shores.” The goal is clear: to inspire a deeper connection with the marine environment and to foster a sense of responsibility in preserving it.

While not a diver himself, Michalis spends considerable time by the sea, finding peace in the rhythmic movement of the waves and the expansive views of the horizon. “This collection is my way of honoring the sea for all it gives us,” he says. The artworks, submerged in their natural habitat, act as a metaphor for the fragility and beauty of the underwater world – a world that many often take for granted or overlook.

Michalis’ vision for Ocean of Threads would not have been possible without the help of key partners, including the fisheries department and the Larnaca Tourism Board. Their involvement has added layers of significance to the project. “When I first envisioned a project about the underwater treasures of Cyprus, I began sharing the idea with various people. Some didn’t fully grasp my vision, but others guided me toward the ‘right’ people,” Michalis says. Together, they have brought a new level of creativity and practicality to the project, suggesting innovations such as printing the works on aluminum to make them more durable and appropriate for underwater display. This collaboration has transformed Ocean of Threads into not just an art installation but a broader community initiative aimed at raising awareness of marine conservation.

Michalis hopes his work will go beyond mere appreciation. He wants it to spark action. “Art has the unique ability to emotionally connect with people in ways that facts and figures often cannot,” he explains. “By experiencing something visually powerful and beautiful, people are more likely to engage with the issues and feel compelled to act.”

The Ocean of Threads exhibition will be displayed from September 18 until the end of the year on the submerged vessel LEF1 in the Oroklini marine protected area, off the coast of Larnaca. Divers and others can reach it by private boat