100 Heroes: Leigh Bowery!
A major retrospective of the iconic artist.
Emerging in the 1980s as a focal point of London nightlife, Leigh Bowery has become a key cultural touch-point in the world of fashion, style, and entertainment.
Originally from Australia, Bowery's initial focus was as a fashion designer. Finding the world of fashion too restrictive, Bowery revelled in the chaotic energy of London's club-kid scene, evolving his aesthetic so that he became the performance, his body was the canvas, he was a walking piece of art.
His impact and influence continues to be strongly visible today - not only in queer culture, but also in the world of avant-garde fashion and design.
Bowery had an undeniable talent for demanding attention and pushing the boundaries of what was possible and what was acceptable.
In 2025, the Tate Modern in London staged a major retrospective of Bowery's life and work.
Early life
Bowery was born in Melbourne in 1961.
From an early age, he studied music, played piano, and went on to study fashion and design at RMIT.
Bowery in London
Bowery moved to London in 1980.
Bowery and his friends were highly visible in London's club scene at the time - constructing elaborate costumes.
In 1985, Bowery began hosting the club night Taboo - it ran for 18 months.
Lucian Freud
Having met through mutual friends, Bowery posed for several portraits painted by Freud.
The large, full-length naked portraits of Bowery are considered to be some of Freud's best work.
Death
Bowery died in 1994 as the result of AIDS-related illnesses.
