Raingsey "Ray of Light" Photo Book

Raingsey is the first self-published book by photographer Guarionex Rodriguez, Jr. and designer Malisa Kuch. Raingsey, meaning "ray of light" in Khmer, captures the spirit of Cambodian youth through portraiture and landscape.

From Guarionex Rodriguez, Jr: 

Raingsey, 2017—2019, Cambodia
While visiting Cambodia with Malisa Kuch, I remember writing how fucking hot it was. The sun was beating us down when we were looking for a jade colored tarp. This was the tarp that we fell in love with while in the market looking for knockoff clothes to cop — the same tarp we’d seen protecting trees and fruit in the fields. With how the sun shined through, we were convinced it would be our theme for this project. Sweat after sweat, going from place to place, we finally found it in a storefront that was also someone’s house. Finally with the tarp in hand, we went back to Malisa’s aunt's crib only to hear, “You should’ve just asked — someone sells this same tarp around the corner.” We laughed, 'cause we really could’ve avoided that unforgiving midday sun. After months passed, Malisa typed “Raingsey” in one of our collaborating sessions. Raingsey translates to “the ray of light.”

9" x 11" softcover with custom acetate covering that echoes rays of light, placed over an embossed Khmer logo on the cover. The Khmer calligraphy by Malisa, draws inspiration from the fluid movement of tarps.

100 pages, smyth-sewn bound book presents 82 plates of images, weaving together a dreamlike reality.

First edition, limited print of 500 copies, 2025