Melanie Sarantou is a Professor of Social Design at Kyushu University in Japan and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Lapland in Finland. Her work intersects textile art, bioart, and social design, focusing on themes of marginalisation, cultural identity, and sustainability.​

One of her notable projects is “Roots Stitching,” a bioart installation that explores the agency of plant roots in textile creation. In this work, sunflower seedlings were allowed to grow through layers of Finnish lambswool, effectively “stitching” the material together with their roots. The resulting biotextile tapestry showcases the intricate patterns formed by the roots, symbolising the interconnectedness of life and the environment. ​Frontiers

Sarantou’s research often involves collaborative, arts-based methods to address social and environmental issues. Her projects aim to foster dialogue and understanding across cultures and communities, emphasising the role of art in social transformation.

For more information on her work and publications, you can visit her ORCID profile.