Jennifer Lee

New York Grandmas captures Lee’s visits to New York to see her aging Halmonis (할머니) - her two great aunts, lovingly referred to as her New York grandmas. The pair have been living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for over 40 years since immigrating from Korea. The sisters heavily relied on each other for companionship and support while navigating and strategizing their day-to-day through the chaos of New York city. Custodians, storekeepers, and community members recognized them on the street and referred to them as "The Sisters," or sometimes "The Twins," despite the two-year age difference.

Originally intended as unmeditated family documentation and a New York City street photography project, the series developed as Lee began to reflect on her Halmonis experiences living independently as elderly people in a big city. Contrary to the notion that urban living poses challenges for the aging population, it has been shown that it also improves quality of life by giving access to a broad range of resources, options, and community support. Aging in place refers to individuals choosing to remain in their homes as they age, rather than relocating. Ninety-six percent of older New Yorkers opt to age in place instead of moving elsewhere.

This collection of photographs not only explores their independence as seniors in Manhattan but also delves into the enduring bonds of sisterhood. The Halmonis have relied on each other throughout their lifetime.

Through Lee's lens as an intergenerational storyteller, these photos are part of a broader series investigating maternal histories, memory-keeping, and the aging process.

Jennifer Lee (she/they) is a photographer based in Toronto. Specializing in candid and street photography, her practice serves as both a storytelling tool and a contemplative meditation on the evolving landscapes and interactions within our communities. She has actively lent her lens to various grassroots organizations and advocacy groups in Toronto, emphasizing community building and a sense of belonging. Through her body of work, Lee seamlessly integrates her passion for capturing candid moments in public spaces with a commitment to community engagement.

Lee’s more intimate and ongoing projects involve documenting her family and exploring their connections with both personal histories and the environments they inhabit.

Lee’s works have exhibited in  the Scarborough Arts' Scarborough’s New View photography exhibit (2020), the Canada Council for the Arts and CBC-funded project The Time Being (2020), the Scarborough Museum's exhibit Awaken Your Senses (winter 2021/22), choa Magazine Volume 3: "Aging in Place" (2022), and Worth Gallery’s WorthyCirca 4x4 show (2023).

Contact the artist directly for information on purchasing.

Contact: photojenny.lee@gmail.com
IG: @msjennifer.lee

May 15 to May 26th, 2024
918 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Sun and Star Rooms

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 12pm to 5pm
Opening reception: Thursday, May 16th from 6-9pm
Artist talk: Saturday, May 18th from 1-3pm