There is an undocumented world along the river banks that separates the city of Yangon City from nearby Dala. Myanmar Times photographer Zarni Phyo exhibits fifteen black-and-white photographies capturing the daily lives of the people whose livelihood depends on the Yangon and Bago rivers, taken as part of a project for the International Reportage 2014 Workshop.
Interviewed by Myanmar Times colleague Zon Pann Pwint, the acclaimed photographer shares his experience: “The daily wages of the workers who depend on the Yangon River are so small, despite the risks they face. They are always close to danger. Divers salvaging sunken ships can die if something happens to their oxygen pipe. Ferry boatmen run the risk of collision with larger vessels as they cross between Yangon and Dala. But they earn only K60,000 to K100,000 a month” (under $100).
With each shot, we are not only impressed by Zarni Phyo's evident professional eye and talent. What grabs us is the raw reality surrounding the river people, and the effort of the artist to immerse himself (and us with him) in the textures of this world. “Dala township and Yangon city are separated by the Yangon River, not a great distance, but the difference in development is great.” says the artist. And this difference, contrasted like his beautiful pictures, will leave you feeling... muddy.
The River People is open at the Witness Yangon Documentary Art Space until July 18th, 2014.
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