In early February, photographer Macy Castañeda Lee explored the Siem Reap River area in Cambodia, documenting the vibrant laundry industry that reflects the community’s economic and health standards. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage temple complex, Siem Reap sees a growth in laundry services due to tourism, with local families offering laundry for about $1 USD.
Castañeda Lee aimed to highlight the hard work of those providing these services, often referred to as “invisible workers.” She photographed families, like brothers Sothea and Bong Chia, who not only work in laundry to supplement their income but also use hanging clothes as makeshift protection against insects.
Hand washing remains common due to the lack of modern appliances, and many families juggle multiple businesses, like Laundromat and snack shops. Castañeda Lee noted the communal nature of laundry work, where children also help with chores, fostering a sense of shared effort and responsibility.
The Siem Reap River, a primary water source for laundry, poses hygiene concerns, but workers adapt using available resources. Castañeda Lee appreciated the slower pace of life around laundry, contrasting it with a fast-paced digital world, and expressed a desire to return and continue her photographic journey, focusing on this evolving aspect of community life.
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