Opening: Beautiful Creatures

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. 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.