Award-winning author, editor and photojournalist Brenda Paik Sunoo presents images from Moon Tides: Jeju Island Grannies and the Sea. Jeju Island’s sea women, or haenyeo, scour the sea floor as their maternal ancestors did, harvesting seaweed, octopus, sea urchins, turban shells, and abalone. Driven by economics, these women divers plunge more than 20 meters underwater, hold their breath for over two minutes, and labor well into their 80s. Their numbers have dwindled from fifteen thousand in the 1970s to just over five thousand today. Photo excerpts from the book received the International Museum of Women’s Community Choice Award.

Ms. Sunoo’s presentation will be preceded by a screening of Liz Chae’s short documentary film, The Last Mermaids, the story of the women of Jeju Province in Korea who have used the ocean to give them life, shield them from war, and educate their daughters for more than 2,000 years.

Thursday, June 2
Book Café: The Women Divers of Jeju Island