For those who may not know, Leigh Bowery is a name synonymous with self-expression, radical fashion, and camp performance art.
To celebrate the late artist, the Tate Modern is hosting a must-see exhibition delving into his life, legacy, and remarkable career.Famed for his daring provocative persona, Bowery pushed boundaries and defied the conventions of fashion, art, and identity—still leaving his mark on these intertwined worlds in the weirdest, yet completely wonderful ways.
Here’s everything you need to know:
The life and legacy of Leigh Bowery
Leigh Bowery was born in 1961, and raised in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. He moved to London in the 1980s, where he quickly became a notorious fixture and a sought-out trinket from the capital’s vibrant underground and LGBTQ+ party scenes.
A club kid, artist, and designer, his unique, avant-garde style left a mark on anything and everything, from the runways of major fashion houses to the current drag renaissance that’s taking over the world. Although we sadly lost Bowery to an AIDS-related illness in the mid-nineties, his influence still resonates to this day, with figures like Lady Gaga and Boy Geoge citing him as a major inspiration.
The Leigh Bowery exhibition at the Tate Modern
Simply titled Leigh Bowery!, the upcoming exhibition at the Tate Modern is set to open later this week on February 27, 2025. This must-see showcase will offer a deep dive into Bowery’s multifaceted career, unveiling his impact as a fashion designer, performance artist, and muse to others, such as artist Lucian Freud.
The exhibit promises to celebrate Bowery’s life in full force, from his unforgettable club performances to his legendary ‘looks’, as well as his work as a boundary-pushing artist, who explored themes of gender, identity, and the body. It’s truly a rare opportunity to explore the whimsical world of one of London’s most eccentric and unforgettable creatives.
You can even learn more about Bowery’s relationship with the renowned British artist Lucian Freud, with a handful of Freud’s paintings of Bowery displayed at this fascinating Tate Modern exhibition.
Expect a bold, immersive experience that honours Bowery’s legacy as an icon of London’s counter-culture. For more information on the Tate and this exhibit, click here to visit their official website.
Leigh Bowery! will be on display at the Tate Modern until 2 September 2025. Tickets cost £18, but it’s free for members. You can find the Tate Bankside, London SE1 9TG.