Leigh Bowery
(1961-1994), Performance artistSitter in 6 portraits
Bowery was an iconic figure who expressed himself through the creation and wearing of elaborate fetishistic costumes, influencing many contemporary fashion designers. As creator of the London night club, Taboo, Bowery played an important role in the club culture of the 1980s. Bowery collaborated with dancer Michael Clark as costume designer and performer in works including Because We Must (1987) and mmm (1992). Other performances include a week-long installation as a living artwork at London's Anthony d'Offay Gallery in 1988. In the 1990s Bowery created controversial performances with his band Minty. He is also known as a model of Lucian Freud's for whom he posed unmasked and naked.
Leigh Bowery ('What is he trying to get at? Where does he want to go?')
by Stephen Willats
two panel work (photographic prints, photographic dye, ink, acrylic paint, and objects mounted on board) with tower of ten painted breeze blocks, 1984
NPG 6660
by David Gwinnutt
bromide fibre print, 1983
NPG x131399
by David Gwinnutt
modern bromide print from original negative, circa 1983
NPG x199663
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