Lens Curated Feature
Street Laborers of West Bengal
by Juan Carlos Rodriguez Briceño
Esplanade Market and Labourer
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Vegetable Didis
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Street Laborers of West Bengal is drawn from a larger photo project I undertook during my four years in Kolkata. This essay tells the stories of people who inhabit West Bengal’s markets—mainly informal laborers working long, strenuous shifts for just a few rupees a day. Their hardship and scarcity often begin in childhood and persist for life, with no days of rest. Given that 90% of India’s workforce is in informal jobs, this essay honours West Bengal’s hardworking people.
Working among the gods © All rights reserved
Right: A Chai Pause
Juan Carlos Rodriguez Briceño
Street laborers of West Bengal
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Kolkata Market
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Juan Carlos Rodriguez Briceño
Right: Street laborers of West Bengal. Over Howrah bridge
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Juan Carlos Rodriguez Briceño is a photographer and graphic designer passionate about the intangible heritage of cultures worldwide. For ten years, he has captured the essence of humanity through photography. This drive has led him on journeys across the globe. His dedication to art and photography has earned him international recognition and exhibitions with renowned collectives.
Two labourers © All rights reserved
Vegetable wholesale market © All rights reserved
Right: Street laborers of West Bengal
Juan Carlos Rodriguez Briceño © All rights reserved
Juan Carlos Rodriguez Briceño
Bike puller in traffic Jam © All rights reserved
Rickshaw and VIP © All rights reserved
Blessed by Ganesh © All rights reserved
Bike wallah of Chandernagor © All rights reserved
Fiery eyes © All rights reserved
A quick break © All rights reserved