Valentina Neri's 'Almanacco Toilet Club' Documents Milan's Drag Scene
Valentina Neri's photobook 'Almanacco Toilet Club,' published by Cesura Publish in 2018, captures the vibrant drag queen scene at Milan's Toilet Club between 2014 and 2016. The limited edition of 300 signed copies is printed on matte paper intentionally ill-suited for photography, emphasizing atmosphere over documentary precision. Neri's images evoke the influences of Nan Goldin and Cindy Sherman, with dramatic lighting creating exaggerated yet authentic worlds. The book features characters like Coriandola Di Fiore, Trapezia Stroppia, La Negra, and Mestruo, and includes eclectic references ranging from serial killer Leonarda Cianciulli to Silvio Berlusconi, as well as the Florentine magazine 'Scena Illustrata,' praised by Edmondo De Amicis. The 160-page volume costs €30 and is available through Cesura Publish.
Key facts
- Valentina Neri's photobook 'Almanacco Toilet Club' documents the Toilet Club in Milan from 2014 to 2016.
- The book is published by Cesura Publish in a limited edition of 300 signed copies.
- It is printed on matte paper intentionally unsuitable for photography.
- Neri's work is influenced by Nan Goldin and Cindy Sherman.
- Characters include Coriandola Di Fiore, Trapezia Stroppia, La Negra, and Mestruo.
- References include Leonarda Cianciulli, Silvio Berlusconi, and the magazine 'Scena Illustrata'.
- Edmondo De Amicis praised 'Scena Illustrata'.
- The book costs €30 and has 160 pages.
Entities
Artists
- Valentina Neri
- Nan Goldin
- Cindy Sherman
- Coriandola Di Fiore
- Trapezia Stroppia
- La Negra
- Mestruo
- Leonarda Cianciulli
- Silvio Berlusconi
- Edmondo De Amicis
Institutions
- Cesura Publish
- Toilet Club Milano
- Scena Illustrata
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Pianello Val Tidone
- Correggio
- Florence