Luke Ratray has captured a unique perspective on this annual tradition. The photography works toward taking the subjects out of the gritty, noisy environment of Coney Island and pushes the viewer to consider the individuals inside their costumes.
"People who invent identities for themselves, even if only for a day, have always fascinated me.When I photographed the Mermaid Parade for the first time, I knew that I found something special. I was attracted to the homemade spirit and revelry of people involving themselves in what may be the last self-made, and largely self-regulated, public performance in New York City."
These photographs will be on display for the *first time ever* from June 24th to July 22, 2016.
