Fishermen on the Golden Horn with the Yeni Cani mosque in the background. Istanbul, Turkey, 2016.
Looking through two pairs of prescription glasses Francisco sees the world with different eyes to most of us. Surprised sometimes at people's intolerance, he remains locked in his own special world. Francisco does not hurt anyone and does not ask for much. A couple of coins for a coffee is appreciated, or maybe an old watch will make his day. But nonetheless, a warm smile that expresses acceptance is by far the best gift.
Francisco loves music. He usually carries a transistor radio in his pocket from where he listens to flamenco as he walks. But as he puts it "only the type that makes you cry"... Francisco reminisces about a past love when he listens to this style of flamenco. A type of Dulcinea whom he met when he was just 25 years old, and who did not share his sentiment. Without her knowing, Francisco one day approached Maria's father and asked for her hand in marriage. The cause of his sorrows, Maria De Los Dolores, regarded his proposal with great disfavour. This affected Francisco profoundly, culminating in him being sectioned in a mental institution. Francisco has been sectioned four times over the years, and although he holds Maria as responsible for his mental illness, his love for her has not withered.
