Leigh Bowery Receives An Appropriately Extravagant Retrospective At Tate Modern

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Exploring the incredibly vibrant and eccentric life of Leigh Bowery is an impossible task in its entirety, but a retrospective at Tate Modern seems like a fitting beginning. Bowery was a towering figure who left an indelible mark on contemporary culture, an impact that continues to resonate today. As a performance artist, club promoter, and model, Bowery’s unconventional versatility defied traditional categorization.

Back in the pulsating ’80s London, I was part of the vibrant nightlife scene, known for my role as a club promoter and avant-garde performance artist. Among my many gigs, I stood guard at Taboo, an iconic, albeit fleeting, nightspot that left a lasting impression. This club was not just about dancing; it was one of the coolest places to be, a status symbol for us ’80s club kids.

Taboo’s doors were manned by some of the toughest individuals, and I was proud to be among them. Alongside my peers, we fostered a rebellious art movement that refused to bow down to our political climate. We created an unyielding, defiant scene that resonated deeply with our generation. Bowery, a fellow club kid, was a significant figure in this artistic uprising.

For the first time, Tate Modern is offering a unique, immersive look into the life of Leigh Bowery, a multifaceted artist. This retrospective, jointly curated with Nicola Rainbird, director of the Estate of Leigh Bowery, aims to offer new perspectives on Bowery’s unconventional life in late 1980s London and early 1990s New York. Additionally, it will showcase other influential figures from the counterculture scene, such as Lady Bunny, Boy George, Princess Julia, Les Child, and Sue Tilly.

Beyond just being known for his striking visual presence, Leigh Bowery also showcases a variety of his iconic fashion creations. These designs have left indelible marks on some of the most renowned designers globally, such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. The Tate Modern exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore numerous ‘Looks’ by Bowery, alongside his collaborative works with artists like Michael Clark, John Maybury, Baillie Walsh, Fergus Greer, Nick Knight, and Lucian Freud.

Despite the challenge of summarizing Leigh Bowery’s vast array of thought-provoking, occasionally confrontational performances, this tribute aims to celebrate the artist’s lasting influence and remarkable legacy.

Leigh Bowery! is on view at Tate Modern from now until August 31.

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2025-03-04 20:25