Last week, I incorrectly labeled all artwork featured at the Powerhouse as Japanese. I thought it must be Japanese since they’re celebrating the launch of a Japanese toy camera company and serving Japanese beer and featuring Japanese DJs. I’m glad I made that mistake because it led me to read a little bit more about what the images were really of.

Taken from a basement of punk venue D-22 in Beijing, the portraits document the lively underground scene that thrives despite the country’s limiting socialist ideals and government-controlled media. Photographer Matthew Niederhauser captures the absolute passion in all of the musicians’ faces. Punk’s true form is far from dead in Beijing.

In addition to Niederhauser’s photographs, the book Sound Kapital also features poster illustrations by Beijing graphic novelist Ca Zhuxi.

If you want to learn more about the book, visit the website, or even better, attend the book’s launch party at the Powerhouse Arena this Thurday! Powerhouse Arena is located at 37 Front St. in Dumbo, Brooklyn (York St. stop on the F train). The launch party takes place from 7 until 9:30.

See you all there!

all images © Matthew Niederhauser