The Indispensable
My project highlights those who rarely receive attention, yet are absolutely essential to the functioning of our hospitals. Through my images, I document the work at industrial laundries, where staff handle the massive task of washing, folding, and preparing linens, towels, and uniforms used in hospitals. They ensure that everything is clean and ready so that hospital beds can be made up for new patients, and doctors and nurses have fresh workwear each day.
The work is physically demanding, often repetitive, and takes place behind the scenes. Many spend the entire day at the same station, sorting, lifting, folding, or sewing with precision. It’s hard, invisible labor, but without it, our healthcare system couldn’t function.
Every bag of laundry holds more than just fabric: It can carry traces of illness, infection, and the invisible threat of contamination. These workers handle materials that others have left behind in sickness, sometimes even in crisis. Their job requires not just strength and precision, but courage and knowledge on how to deal with potential exposure every day, so that hospitals and that their workplace can stay clean and safe.
