Reading the Lines

‘The Semi-Fictional Character of the Day’ is a joint, one-month project by Louiza Mallouri and Constantinos Xenofontos. Constantinos will be sketching a semi-fictional figure every day, and Louiza will be writing an accompanying storyline, as inspired by that character. The aim of this project is to explore the way two semiotic systems, the visual and the linguistic, interact and complement each other to tell a story.

Dear friend, This ovesized, woolly jumper is an excellent choice. Your mum might hate it, but you will have it for a very long time. It is a little worn here and there, but don’t throw it away. Let it travel with you as you change rooms, apartments, cities, countries. Whenever you feel that you don’t have the strength to face another day, whenever you are overworked and sleep-deprived, wear this jumper and it will offer you comfort, reassurance and get you through the day. Yours truly.

Follow

‘The Semi-Fictional Character of the Day’ is a joint, one-month project by Louiza Mallouri and Constantinos Xenofontos. Constantinos will be sketching a semi-fictional figure every day, and Louiza will be writing an accompanying storyline, as inspired by that character. The aim of this project is to explore the way two semiotic systems, the visual and the linguistic, interact and complement each other to tell a story.

‘Could you be a volunteer with Double Double?’ the leaflet read. She hesitated at first, but she finally contacted the organisation’s manager and before she knew it, she was helping older people in her area who needed support. She was a sought after stylist, so in between fittings, sample sales and shopping for her rich, busy clients, she would drop by for a coffee, check that someone is alright or help with a trip to the shops. She made friends; real, unpretentious ones. Like the one she had stopped in the street, back in December, in freezing cold, asking if she could borrow his cashmere overcoat for her shoot.That’s when it all started.

Follow

‘The Semi-Fictional Character of the Day’ is a joint, one-month project by Louiza Mallouri and Constantinos Xenofontos. Constantinos will be sketching a semi-fictional figure every day, and Louiza will be writing an accompanying storyline, as inspired by that character. The aim of this project is to explore the way two semiotic systems, the visual and the linguistic, interact and complement each other to tell a story.

The talk is amazing. She is always amazing: in every book, every publication, every interview… In a league of her own. The auditorium is crammed, people sit on folding chairs, others stand in the back row and I  sit on the steps to get a chance to see her. I can’t help but laugh at myself: a young scientist, crazily infatuated with this leader in the field and who is, by the way, married. Happily, I hear. Questions time! 15 minutes. As she nails every question, I try hard to think of something to ask, just to get her to look at me for a few seconds.’And our last question?’ the facilitator asks. Still can’t think of anything, but I somehow raised my hand. All eyes on me, but all I want to know is how she has her coffee, and where she wants to travel next and what books are on her nightstand. ‘May we have the question, please?’ the facilitator asks. I stammer, ‘That was a great talk. Thank you.’

Follow