The Art of Ageing: Cambodian Elders Reimagined as Apsara Icons

In a vibrant celebration of resilience and cultural legacy, the creative collective ‘Feel The Warmth’ has launched Apsara Granny 2.0, an initiative honouring the elderly women of Cambodia. Timed to coincide with International Women’s Day 2025, this project builds on last year’s viral success, bringing renewed focus to the stories and dignity of the Kingdom’s grandmothers, many of whom are supported by the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF).

A Tribute to Strength and Beauty

Apsara Granny 2.0 is more than a photography series; it is a heartfelt tribute to the matriarchs who have weathered decades of hardship, from poverty to the lingering scars of conflict. Spearheaded by photographers Ken Bo, Hao Taing, and Raphael Pech, the project captures these women adorned in traditional apsara costumes—symbolic of Cambodia’s ancient dance heritage linked to the celestial nymphs of Khmer mythology. The images are a powerful reminder of their enduring beauty and unyielding spirit.

“This campaign is dedicated to the Cambodian granny, the Cambodian mum, the Cambodian auntie, and of course, the Cambodian bong and p’ounsrey out there. Thank you for inspiring us through your resilience and kindness,” said Hao Taing, one of the project’s leaders.

Among the participants is 61-year-old Granny Vanny, the youngest in this year’s cohort, who expressed uncontainable excitement about the photoshoot. “I couldn’t sleep well last night as I was so looking forward to today and to wearing the apsara costume,” she shared, her words reflecting the joy and pride the initiative instils.

Beyond Aesthetics: Stories of Survival

Following the global attention garnered by last year’s Apsara Grannies project, the 2.0 iteration delves deeper into the lived experiences of these women. Each portrait tells a story of survival, with every wrinkle symbolising wisdom and a life of overcoming adversity. The project highlights figures like Granny Mao, who at 104 became Cambodia’s oldest living apsara in the inaugural campaign. Once a scavenger at the Steung Meanchey garbage dump, her transformation into a cultural icon—captured in stunning images adorned with traditional gold ornaments—reignited interest in the role of elderly women in Khmer culture.

Granny Mao, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge era who lost her family to the genocide, found refuge through CCF’s Granny Programme. Now, she thrives as a symbol of hope. Her apsara sister, 79-year-old Granny Raksa, mentors young girls in CCF’s Girls2Grannies Programme, embodying warmth and generosity. These stories are at the heart of the initiative, which seeks not just to celebrate aesthetics but to restore dignity and confidence to women often overlooked by society.

“We kept the shoot short to avoid fatigue, hoping to bring smiles to Cambodians,” said Huang Hao, founder of Local4Local and a collaborator with CCF. “This is just the start—we aim to create more uplifting content.”

A Cultural Movement with Community at Its Core

Apsara Granny 2.0 extends beyond photography to engage the broader community. Students from CCF’s Neeson Cripps Academy contribute artistic interpretations of the images, while an exhibition at the academy will showcase the work alongside a catalogue produced by student artists, designers, and writers. Later this year, a public “Meet The Grannies” event will invite supporters to connect with these remarkable women and hear their stories firsthand.

CCF campaign coordinator Hem Len emphasised the importance of selecting participants who embody confidence and resilience. “The project celebrates older women’s role in Khmer culture, especially ahead of Mother’s Day on 12 May,” she explained. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to uplift Cambodian tourism through what Huang Hao describes as the “3Ps—People, Place, and Plate,” telling stories of the nation that go beyond its tragic history of “stones and skulls.”

To sustain the project, photographs from Apsara Granny 2.0 will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting CCF’s Granny Programme. Donations can also be made directly via the organisation’s website, ensuring continued support for these women and their communities.

A Legacy of Honour

The Apsara Granny initiative serves as a poignant reminder that ageing is not a decline but a journey of honour. In a society where the elderly are often marginalised, particularly women who have borne the brunt of historical traumas, this project redefines their place in the cultural narrative. It challenges global audiences to see wrinkles not as marks of time, but as stories of lives well lived.

As ‘Feel The Warmth’ continues to inspire through Apsara Granny 2.0, the movement underscores the power of art and community to heal and celebrate. For the grandmothers of Cambodia, it is an opportunity to reclaim their heritage, share their wisdom, and remind the world of their invaluable contributions to the fabric of Khmer society.