Celebrating the queer space as community
Italian photographer Valentina Neri’s intimate portrait series explores the familial feeling of Milan’s drag scene
By Corinna Burford All images by Valentina Neri Thursday 9 July, 2020 Short read
Shot over the course of two years, between 2014 and 2016, Valentina Neri’s Almanacco Toilet Club showcases the culture and vibrant characters of Milan’s Toilet Club Milano –one of the city’s most important queer nightclubs. ‘The club is in a basement and looks rough and unpolished, but despite this, the atmosphere inside is almost sophisticated,’ describes Neri. ‘Being there felt like being in a family. Everyone welcomed me immediately and gave me freedom, which made me feel comfortable from the start.’
From the dressing room to the dancefloor, Neri’s moody photos highlight the intricate details and glamorous looks of the club’s drag performers. ‘Among the best things about photographing the Toilet Club was the search for details that were lit up momentarily by the club’s colourful spotlight,’ she says.
To celebrate Pride, Neri has shared some of her favourite photos from the collection, below. ‘This selection is like a summary of the whole project,’ says Neri. ‘It captures the memories of this special period in my life.’
From the dressing room to the dancefloor, Neri’s moody photos highlight the intricate details and glamorous looks of the club’s drag performers. ‘Among the best things about photographing the Toilet Club was the search for details that were lit up momentarily by the club’s colourful spotlight,’ she says.
To celebrate Pride, Neri has shared some of her favourite photos from the collection, below. ‘This selection is like a summary of the whole project,’ says Neri. ‘It captures the memories of this special period in my life.’
Interested in becoming a member?
Artist Sarah Maple calls out the art world
Inside the studio of industrial designer Philippe Malouin
Artist Brendan Fernandes on ballet and BDSM
Plastic enemy number one
Prospect founder Laura Currie brings art to the everyday
A poem by James Massiah
Beyond plain white walls
Contemporary artist Bharti Kher and the tale of two cities
The art of giving back
Nikko Washington’s protest in paint
