Leigh Bowery

Performer

Leigh Bowery (1961-1994) was a fashion performer and pioneer of the avant-garde. He moved to London from Australia in 1980 and made a name for himself through his colourful combination of dance, music, performance, fashion and exhibitionism. Throughout the 80s and early 90s he was a key figure in London’s gay club scene and collaborated with a diversity of artists on various projects, including dancer Michael Clark.

In 1988, Bowery put himself on week-long display in Anthony d’Offay’s prestigious Dering Street Gallery. Other noteworthy works include his controversial SMac performance at SM Night at Bar Industria, the 1993 formation of his band Raw Sewage with Nicola Bowery, Sheila Tequila and Stella Stein, his formation of band Minty with 80s knitwear designer Richard Torry, Nicola Bowery and Matthew Glammore. He also made an appearance in Pepe jeans ad campaign, undertook stage commissions for U2 and was subject of a series of nude portraits by Lucien Freud.

Leigh Bowery (1961-1994) was a fashion performer and pioneer of the avant-garde. He moved to London from Australia in 1980 and made a name for himself through his colourful combination of dance, music, performance, fashion and exhibitionism. Throughout the 80s and early 90s he was a key figure in London’s gay club scene and collaborated with a diversity of artists on various projects, including dancer Michael Clark.

In 1988, Bowery put himself on week-long display in Anthony d’Offay’s prestigious Dering Street Gallery. Other noteworthy works include his controversial SMac performance at SM Night at Bar Industria, the 1993 formation of his band Raw Sewage with Nicola Bowery, Sheila Tequila and Stella Stein, his formation of band Minty with 80s knitwear designer Richard Torry, Nicola Bowery and Matthew Glammore. He also made an appearance in Pepe jeans ad campaign, undertook stage commissions for U2 and was subject of a series of nude portraits by Lucien Freud.

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