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Hospital Portraits Capture the Life and Emotions of Duke Health Care Workers

45 portraits of Duke Hospital Employees by Maria Hock
45 portraits of Duke Hospital Employees by Maria Hock

Kamara portrait by Maria Hock “Forty-Five Portraits in Forty-Five Days” is a project that emerged from raw and emotion filled images taken of Duke University Hospital employees.

The new exhibit of portraits by painter Maria Bennett Hock is now on display in the main concourse of Duke University Hospital.

Hock created one painting a day over the course of 45 days, working from selfies provided to her.

“The photographs given to me were not perfectly lit or professionally staged,” Hock said. “Each selfie-styled image provided me with a glimpse of the daily rigors of working amid the pandemic. I saw how each essential worker saw themselves. Photos taken at the end of a long day of ensuring proper care for patients.

“Photos taken at the end of the day when they were tired. Some are on the front lines dealing directly with patients. Others preparing meals, cleaning treatment rooms, common areas and bathrooms. Each one tasked with providing quality care day after day. Collectively these forty-five images represent a dedicated team working hard while at risk for contracting COVID-19 simply by showing up for work.”

The exhibit is organized by Arts & Health at Duke.

Located in the Duke University Hospital concourse, this exhibit is available to patients, staff, and visitors of Duke University Hospital who have screened access to the hospital. Visitors without a medical appointment will not be able to visit this exhibition due to limited access to Duke University Hospital.

Sandra portrait by Maria Hock  Frankie, by Maria Hock