Davide Sorrenti’s Journals Illuminate ’90s Subculture Legacy

The publication of Davide Sorrenti Journals: Volume 1 1994–1995 marks a significant moment in the celebration of the late fashion photographer’s legacy. Released by IDEA, this collection of Sorrenti’s notebooks offers an intimate glimpse into the creative mind that helped shape the visual landscape of the early ’90s. Curated and edited by his mother, Francesca Sorrenti, the book compiles a variety of materials including sketches, writing, Polaroids, test prints, and flyers, all of which reflect his artistic vision.

Davide Sorrenti was a pivotal figure in the emerging creative vanguard of the early ’90s, a period characterized by a shift away from the polished aesthetics of the previous decade. The movement, often referred to as “heroin chic,” embraced a rawer, more authentic approach to fashion and photography. Alongside contemporaries like Corinne Day, David Sims, and Juergen Teller, Sorrenti played a crucial role in defining a new look for counterculture.

Despite his promising career being cut short by his untimely death just before his 20th birthday, Sorrenti’s influence remains palpable within the realms of fashion photography and contemporary image culture. The newly released journals, spanning 192 pages, serve as both a creative record and a poignant time capsule, capturing the essence of his brief but impactful life.

Francesca Sorrenti describes her son’s journals as “fragments of a restless life.” She emphasizes how each page conveys Davide’s perspective on the world: “raw, immediate, unfiltered, and deeply human.” This collection joins a growing body of posthumous works that explore Sorrenti’s artistry, including titles such as ArgueSKE 1994–1997, Polaroids, and the documentary See Know Evil. Among these, the journals are particularly personal, revealing new dimensions of youth and artistic expression.

Opening the journals invites readers into Davide’s vibrant world—a realm described by his mother as “fast, beautiful, and filled with love.” They encapsulate not merely a cultural documentation but a personal narrative of his life, rich in intensity and fragility.

Davide Sorrenti Journals: Volume 1 1994–1995 is now available for $90 USD through IDEA. This publication not only honors his legacy but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of creative expression.