Miao Jiaxin's 2014 'Jail's Seeking Prisoners' project critiques New York living through Airbnb surveillance

Miao Jiaxin created Jail's Seeking Prisoners in 2014, an attic installation functioning as a temporary jail cell available for $1 per night with a $300 deposit. The project was originally listed on Airbnb before being removed for violating platform policies. Located in a New York attic with amenities including free wifi and city views, the space featured a cage where guests were required to remain locked from 9am to 12pm daily without any activities. A 24/7 webcam broadcast occupants continuously, monitored by Miao himself. The work references Tehching Hsieh's 1978-1979 Cage Piece, where the artist lived in a cell for one year exploring immigrant struggles. Miao's project connects Airbnb's economic realities to surveillance culture while examining themes of boredom and isolation. The experience forces participants to confront complete inactivity within a monitored environment. Originally published on artreview.com on August 21, 2014, the project blends performance art with contemporary digital voyeurism.