Geraldine Kang’s photo series uncovers the intimate realities of migrant domestic workers’ living conditions.
SINGAPORE: Each night, a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore lays her head on a mattress—sometimes in a shared bedroom, sometimes on the living room floor. These sleeping arrangements reveal much about their roles within the households they serve, a subject thoughtfully captured by visual artist Geraldine Kang in her photography series, Live-in (Mattress Provided).
Through stark, clinical images of sleeping spaces, paired with text from conversations with both MDWs and their employers, Kang examines how we perceive and treat those who tend to our most personal needs yet remain on society’s periphery.
“I care deeply about justice,” Kang explains. “This project is a way to address the systemic issues and the humanity of domestic helpers often overshadowed by their role in our lives.”
A Personal and Cultural Exploration
Kang’s inspiration stems from her childhood, shaped by a close relationship with her family’s domestic helper. Her realization of the economic disparities between them fueled her desire to address the inequities faced by MDWs.
Domestic workers are mandated to live with their employers, a unique aspect of their employment. “This conflation of work and living spaces intrigued me,” Kang says. Her focus on their sleeping areas—often the only personal space they have—provides an intimate entry point into their daily lives.
Unseen Spaces, Unspoken Realities
The series omits human subjects, highlighting the spaces themselves to provoke reflection. “Once people are in the frame, the message becomes obvious,” Kang explains. “By focusing on the space, viewers are invited to wonder about the lives behind them.”
Initially presented without text, the photographs sometimes left viewers unsure how to engage. Kang later added narratives to provide context, balancing critique with understanding.
A System Under Scrutiny
Kang’s project also raises broader questions about Singapore’s treatment of MDWs. Many workers arrive without a clear idea of their living conditions, often sharing spaces with little privacy. Kang reflects on one instance: “A mattress in the living room—how does that work when the family watches TV?”
Despite these challenges, Kang acknowledges variations in experiences, with some MDWs enjoying better arrangements. Her nuanced approach avoids vilifying employers while highlighting systemic flaws.
Towards Ethical Employment
Kang’s work led her to consider how she might employ a helper in the future. “Transparency and respect are key,” she emphasizes, advocating for open communication about living arrangements and clear boundaries.
Through Live-in (Mattress Provided) and her upcoming project, With and Without You, Kang seeks to normalize compassionate employment practices. Her new work highlights positive relationships between MDWs and employers, offering a vision of what ethical employment can look like.
A Call for Change
Kang believes change begins with individuals. “Even within a flawed system, small acts of kindness and respect can make a difference,” she says. Her projects serve as a reminder of the humanity behind the roles MDWs play in our lives, urging Singaporeans to reflect on how they can foster dignity and inclusion.
