Join us for the opening and book launch of ‘Beautiful Creatures’on 8 July from 17:00 to 21:00, featuring a welcome address by London’s queer club icon Lewis G. Burton, performances by JO.JOE and Aryelle Freeman Hopelezz, and DJ sets by Maxime Duvall and Jordi Ariza Gallego — and more. The solo exhibition by Amsterdam-based photographer The Sinful Son (Peter van der Wal) is on display at Melkweg Expo until 20 September.
Visibility Is Resistance
With his iconic Polaroid Big Shot and vintage flashcubes, Van der Wal has captured hundreds of intimate moments across Amsterdam, Berlin, London and beyond. DJs, dancers, lovers, strangers, all part of the same ritual. What began with a simple question evolved into a striking portrait series and a colourful celebration of the international queer community. A love letter to freedom, hedonism, diversity, chosen families and the right to be seen.
In the current climate, documenting and archiving queer lives is an act of resistance. It is a refusal to disappear, and a clear statement that this community has always been here and will continue to exist.
The Photobook
The book brings together more than 350 unique Polaroids from The Sinful Son’s collection, complemented by texts by Junior van Keulen, Ridder van Kooten and Lewis G. Burton, which provide context for the work as well as an insight into The Sinful Son’s working methods. The photo book Beautiful Creatures offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the queer nightlife of clubs in Amsterdam, Berlin, London and beyond. What would normally fade into the darkness of the club or be lost at sunrise has been brought together in a unique collector’s item and exhibition. Pre-order now and receive your copy during the opening of the exhibition at Melkweg Expo.
Opening schedule:
17:00: Doors open & welcome with a DJ set by Maxime Duvall
17:30 – 17:40: Opening remarks by host Jewell and Lewis G. Burton
17:45 – 17:50: Performance by Aryelle Hopelezz
17:50 – 17:55: Speech by The Sinful Son
17:55 – 18:00: Performance by Puma Hilton
18:00 – 18:05: Speech by NAI010 publishers
18:05 – 18:10: Performance by JO.JOE
18:10 – 18:15: A toast to the book and the exhibition.
19:00 – 21:00: DJ set by Jordi Arizza Gallego
This programme is part of Club Chrome: Melkweg’s multidisciplinary festival for WorldPride 2026, where music, art and activism unite. Visit the Club Chrome page for more information, updates and other shows.
