On the banks of the Styx
Since time immemorial, death has been part of human daily life. Long managed within the family home, it has gradually shifted to healthcare facilities with the rise of modern medicine. In the space of a few generations, rituals that were once passed down naturally have become little known, or even invisible.
Yet men and women continue to care for the deceased on a daily basis. These carers, working behind the scenes, ensure a continuum of care through essential tasks: mortuary washing, the removal of medical devices, preservation, dressing, applying make-up and placing the body in the coffin, before it is presented to the bereaved families.
Often overlooked, the work of mortuary staff remains discreet despite its importance. Whilst our society now addresses subjects that were once taboo more openly, the world of death paradoxically remains largely out of sight. Through this photographic series, I sought to shed light on this little-known aspect of care in France.
This analogue photographic series was produced whilst working alongside staff in the mortuary at the Bichat-Claude Bernard AP-HP Hospital in Paris.
Some of the photographs may be distressing to some viewers.
The full photographic series is available here:
