When anyone moves to a new country there are challenges. This is especially true for women…In 2001, soon after I arrived, I met another new Canadian who was struggling to raise her nine-year old daughter by herself. I sympathized with her because I knew how difficult it is to raise children even when you have the support of a partner. I offered to take care of her daughter after school until she returned at night after her long hours at her job. I felt her pain as a single mother far from her family and friends. I wanted to do what I could to help. This relationship inspired me. I wanted to capture the experiences of these women on canvas. I started by contacting women. I went to their homes and recorded their problems and joys with my camera. Most of the feelings I heard were of loneliness, emptiness, and sadness.

A virtual exhibition of ten of Madhu Kumar’s works will be displayed at the museum. We will also share the stories that go along with each of these works. For more information please email Elissar, WAM’s museologist, at museologist@wamsoc.ca.