“Renegade: San Francisco, The 1990s” images of queer women by Chloe Sherman

Kindred Spiruts 1994 ALL IMAGES © Chloe Sherman

Photographer Chloe Sherman’s new exhibit RENEGADES at the Schlomer Haus Gallery in San Francisco is probably one of the most striking collections of images of queer women we have ever seen. Sherman started in the early 1990s documenting a generation of young self-identified queers in the Mission District of San Francisco her hometown. She captured the essence of this powerful collective of women on the creative edge of the cultural changes as they were making their mark on a queer society still reeling from the ravages of the AIDS epidemic. Her photos reflect her finely nuanced view of this evolving community.

Dusty and Mary, 1998	In my Chevy Nova 1994
White Limo in the Castro 1995	View from the back seat 1997

“I witnessed individual conviction with a collective awareness of strength in numbers. I found beauty, grace, and bravery in this subculture that was derided by mainstream society. My documentary photography work stems from a commitment to capturing the vibrancy, tenderness, individuality, resilience, and joy within communities and subculture.”

Jill with martini 1998	Opening night Lexington Club 1994
Little Marion 1998	The Heist 1994

“Renegade: San Francisco, The 1990s”
On view through July 23, 2022

Schlomer Haus Gallery
2128 Market St., San Francisco