Swallowed By The Tide, Fed By The Octopus - Original Work 140 x 100 cm

Original Work | 140x100 cm | Acrylic on Canvas | 2024

From the series: Long Journey – Artist: Pippo Kudi

The vast, endless ocean. Monte Clérigo, a place that seems so peaceful, became the setting for an unexpected, silent battle.

The sun at our backs, we paddled out into the waves, each finding our own spot—me on one side of the break, Mr. P. on the other. But that day, the waves weren’t on my side. Suddenly, the current pulled me further and further out, as the sea revealed its immense, untamed power. Maybe I had overestimated myself.

A quiet struggle, unnoticed by anyone. In the distance, beachgoers played volleyball, unaware of what was happening beyond the shore.

Relief. Finally, with my last bit of strength, I made it back to the beach, collapsing in the sand, wrapped in my wetsuit, exhausted but grateful. Once again, my love for the water had transformed into deep respect—a lesson never to be forgotten.

As the sun set on a dramatic day, a fitting irony awaited me at O Sargo:

The wave that nearly swallowed me—and the octopus I ended up eating.