Leigh Bowery

This immersive exhibition offers a rare chance to experience Leigh Bowery’s iconic “Looks” alongside collaborations with Michael Clark, John Maybury, Baillie Walsh, Fergus Greer, Nick Knight, and Lucian Freud. It explores the creative scenes of London, New York, and beyond, featuring figures like Sue Tilley, Trojan, Princess Julia, Les Child, Andrew Logan, Lady Bunny, Scarlett Cannon, MINTY, and Boy George. Moving from club to stage to gallery, step inside Bowery’s dynamic world, where art and life blur. Organised by Tate Modern in collaboration with Nicola Rainbird, Director and Owner of the Estate of Leigh Bowery.

Leigh Bowery’s extraordinary life leaves an undeniable mark on art and culture. An artist, performer, model, club promoter, fashion designer, and musician, he defies convention at every turn. Emerging in 1980s London nightlife, he pushes boundaries in galleries, theatres, and on the streets. He transforms clothing and makeup into living sculpture, challenges decorum, and reimagines the body as a tool for exploring aesthetics, sexuality, and gender. A pioneer of performance, club culture, and fashion, Bowery creates some of the most striking images of the 1980s and 90s, influencing artists like Alexander McQueen, Jeffrey Gibson, Anohni, and Lady Gaga.