Lila ZOTOU

Tranquility is the first word that comes to mind whenever I enter Kostantis’s world.

At 85 years old, he lives alone and was born deaf. He has never left his village, except for a few trips as a child when his mother took him to doctors, only to learn that nothing could be done at the time.

Since then, he has adapted to his silent world through hard work. He is a meticulous farmer and shepherd, having never lost a single animal despite his hearing disadvantage.

Kostantis has lived his life in peace and silence, though he has often felt frustration when someone tried to deceive him—yet without success. He cannot communicate with words, especially when a car approaches without him hearing it, or when someone gets close without him noticing. I’ve often observed him quietly going about his day, unaware of my presence, but always sensing someone’s arrival instantly.

I often wonder how different his life might have been if he had been born into a more privileged environment. He is the most discreet and understanding person I know. Fatherless since infancy, he was trained from a young age to fight, be independent, and fear no one.

I’ve often wondered how he communicates things in his mind. How does he form ideas or represent objects to himself? I imagine it might be with color and emotions, I conclude