Leigh Bowery

Leigh Bowery, 'The Metropolitan', c.1988, cotton, rayon, leather, sequins, metal, paint, Collection: National Gallery of Victoria
Image courtesy of the Artist’s Estate.

Bio

Leigh Bowery (b.1961-1994) was a Melbourne-born, London-based performance artist, club promoter and designer. Combining dance, dandyism, music and outrageous fashions (of his own design) Bowery lived as a piece of performance art. In 1985 he hosted London’s outrageous and notorious club night, Taboo – the epicenter of young and fashionable London. His groundbreaking style influenced an entire generation of artists and designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, David LaChapelle, John Galliano, The Scissor Sisters and Boy George. He is also credited as a major factor behind the new Romantic music movement that became popular in London during the 1980s. Bowery passed away of AIDS-related illness in 1994 at the age of 33. His works are held in State Collections around Australia.