Peter Ash Lee's "The Last Mermaid" explores the lives and legacy of the Haenyeo, a remarkable group of women divers from Jeju Island. In December 2018, Lee journeyed to Jeju Island to photograph these fearless women who have dived for over two thousand years, harvesting seafood to sustain their families and preserve their island's cultural heritage. The Haenyeo challenge traditional gender norms as primary breadwinners in a historically male-dominated society. Through Lee's lens, we witness the powerful connection between the Haenyeo and their environment, and intimate moments with one of the youngest Haenyeo, who calls herself "the last mermaid." Her story, rooted in a three-generation legacy of diving, highlights the precarious future of this ancient profession, threatened by the demanding nature of their work and the impacts of global warming. This exhibition is a poignant reminder of climate change's far-reaching consequences on livelihoods and cultures.
The Last Mermaid was on view at Lyle Gallery July 18-August 15, 2024
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Peter Ash Lee
Peter Ash Lee is a New York-based photographer and director. Born in Seoul and raised in Toronto, his work is informed by the pursuit of a contemporary standard of beauty that champions diversity and representation. Peter is also the editor-in-chief and co-founder of Burdock, an arts and culture publication celebrating multi-dimensional Asian American experiences. He has worked with commercial and editorial clients including Vogue, The New York Times, T Magazine, i-D, Tom Ford and Dior.
