A collection of unforgettable polaroid photographs that encompass voracious love, passion and connection: this is Davide Sorrenti’s Polaroids. The photographs encompass 4 years of Sorrenti’s creativity, between 1994-1997, before his premature passing at age 20. Published by IDEA, who also produced two editions of Sorrenti’s monograph ArgueSKE, coupled with a film “See Know Evil”, which explores the ‘heroin-chic’ aesthetic, which is believed to have been popularised by Sorrenti. 

His work encapsulates a snapshot into his personal experiences – his reliance on family and friends, and the importance of capturing this connection with them. This desire for proximity and closeness speaks to the ‘new normal’ that we are living in now, and even more so, the project itself is somewhat allegorical for the year 2020. A last minute decision, not planned until late October and a roll-out decision in December, this collection is a gift from a gifted artist. 

The book is complete with 125 polaroid’s and presented in a raw-cut Eskaboard hardback with black buckram spine. The front cover is decorated with a single blurred self-portrait of a hooded Davide looking down into the lens. Each polaroid is preserved with the original grain, creases and rawness, some with a yellow-tungsten overcast. In one image, Davide uses his girlfriend at the time Jamie King as his muse. The image is blurry, she looks away from the camera, aloof and distant; however, Sorrenti is still able to capture a sense of closeness and intimacy. 

Alongside the collection original t-shirts will be released, all of which have been curated by his mother Francesca Sorrenti. She writes: 

“Davide’s photography was a reflection of the youth culture of the 90s; engulfed in rap music, skateboarding and ‘gangsta’ culture. Almost 25 years have gone by since his passing and still the love for his persona and his work lives on” – Francesca Sorrenti, Designer and Editor of Polaroids.

The book launched mid-December 2020 at Dover Street Market and New York, with a limited supply of only 1,000 copies. To find more about the launch and for purchase, visit IDEA.com