Chloe Sherman: Renegades. San Francisco: The 1990s

In the 1990s, a new wave of queer culture emerged in San Francisco, with affordable rent paving the way for queer bars, clubs, tattoo shops, galleries, cafes, bookstores, and women-owned businesses to emerge. Chloe Sherman was a member of this community and an ardent visual chronicler, capturing the vibrancy, tenderness, individuality, resilience, and joy within this subculture. Her debut monograph is a candid portrait of a vibrant era that connects current and future generations to the pulse of San Francisco at a pivotal chapter in queer history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

In the vibrant and dynamic 1990s, a new wave of queer culture emerged, pulsating with energy and creativity. The decade saw a surge of LGBTQ+ individuals, outcasts, and artists flocking to San Francisco, drawn by the city's affordable rent and the opportunity to explore art, self-expression, style, and gender in a more liberated environment. The Mission District became the epicenter of this cultural renaissance, teeming with queer bars, clubs, tattoo shops, galleries, cafes, bookstores, and women-owned businesses. A new wave of feminism embraced gender bending, and butch/femme culture flourished, creating a diverse and inclusive community.

Chloe Sherman, a photographer deeply immersed in this community, captured the essence of the time through her documentary photographic work on 35mm film. Her commitment to documenting the vibrancy, tenderness, individuality, resilience, and joy within this subculture was driven by a desire to challenge mainstream society's derision and provide a glimpse into the lives of those often marginalized.

Sherman's debut monograph, Renegades, serves as a candid portrait of this vibrant era, connecting current and future generations to the pulse of San Francisco at a pivotal chapter in queer history. Through her lens, the reader is transported to a world where self-expression is a form of sacred tongue, where gender boundaries are blurred, and where community is a powerful force for change.

The 1990s were a time of immense creativity and experimentation, with artists pushing the boundaries of what was possible in both art and fashion. Sherman's photographs capture the essence of this era, showcasing the unique styles, haircuts, and fashion choices of the queer community. Her images evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, reminding us of a time when the LGBTQ+ community was fighting for its rights and visibility.

Renegades also sheds light on the challenges faced by the queer community during this period. Despite the progress made, discrimination, violence, and marginalization were still prevalent. Sherman's photographs document the resilience and strength of the community, highlighting the ways in which they overcame adversity and built a supportive network of friends and allies.

The 1990s were a transformative decade for the LGBTQ+ community, and Chloe Sherman's work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-expression, community, and resilience. Through her photographs, she captures the spirit of a vibrant era that continues to inspire and influence generations to come.

Dimension: 280 x 260 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775755177