Bodegas

I was lucky enough to spend a week with Magnum photographer @mattblack_blackmatt in New York City learning how to craft visual narratives. This approach is new to me, it definitely worked an untapped visual muscle.

These images are a small set from my three-day assignment on bodegas in New York City’s East Harlem and Washington Heights neighborhoods. A vibrant area with generous people.

I’ve always been fascinated by bodegas and their role in the community. They remind me of the local neighborhood grocery stores I used to frequent as a kid growing up in Asia. These stores played a vital role in our community and served as a gathering spot.

Bodegas are quaint convenience stores that dot the urban landscape. They trace their origins back to Puerto Rico and Cuba. These small yet vital establishments are deeply rooted in New York City's culture, deriving their name from the Spanish word for "storeroom." Bodegas are more than mere retail spaces offering a range of services, often acting as a deli, grocery store, pharmacy, bank, and community center all in one. They are considered the lifeblood of their neighborhoods.