Vanessa Barragão, an internationally recognized artist known for her work at the intersection of art, craftsmanship, and sustainability, presented her artwork "Oceano: The First Threads" at the Portugal Pavilion from September 30 to October 3. This initiative was promoted by Turismo de Portugal.
The project came to life with the performance "The First Threads", in which the artist began creating the tapestry using the pavilion's ropes and nets. Visitors were able to witness, in real time, the birth of the artwork, which will be fully completed in Japan after Expo 2025.

The installation marks the beginning of a renovation cycle for the pavilion, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Created from recycled nautical ropes that cover the building, the large-scale tapestry symbolises the ocean as a bridge between Portugal and Japan, evoking a dialogue of cultures, memories, and the future.