The performance artist shocked 1980s London with his surreal outfits, outlandish lifestyle and collaborations with Lucian Freud, dancer Michael Clark and others. As a major exhibition opens at Tate Modern, family and friends talk about Bowery’s larger-than-life legacyIn October 1980, 19 year-old Leigh Bowery arrived in London from the small Australian town of Sunshine in suburban Melbourne. He brought with him a single suitcase and a portable sewing machine. A few months later, he spent his first Christmas away from home in a rented bedsit feeling depressed and lonely. On 31 December, he attempted to raise his spirits by writing down his new year resolutions:1. Get weight down to 12 stone. 2. Learn as much as possible. 3. Become established in the world of art, fashion or literature. 4. Wear makeup every day. Continue reading...
This article describes Leigh Bowery as a "living, breathing work of art" who defied categorization.
The main idea is to highlight Bowery's lasting impact as a performance artist and fashion icon, despite his relatively short life and fame within a niche 1980s scene.
Key points:
* Self-Reinvention: Bowery constantly reinvented himself through outrageous costumes and performances, transforming his body into a piece of art.
* Influential Legacy: Though not mainstream during his lifetime, his influence is evident in modern pop culture, from Lady Gaga's extravagant style to the theatricality of "Ru Paul's Drag Race".
* Tate Modern Exhibition: A new exhibition at Tate Modern celebrates Bowery's art, life, and legacy, solidifying his place in the art world.
The article emphasizes that Bowery's art was unique and challenging, pushing boundaries and confronting audiences with his unconventional persona. Despite his brief time in the spotlight, his impact on art and fashion continues to be felt today.
This article describes Leigh Bowery as a "living, breathing work of art" who defied categorization. The main idea is to highlight Bowery's lasting impact as a performance artist and fashion icon, despite his relatively short life and fame within a niche 1980s scene. Key points: * Self-Reinvention: Bowery constantly reinvented himself through outrageous costumes and performances, transforming his body into a piece of art. * Influential Legacy: Though not mainstream during his lifetime, his influence is evident in modern pop culture, from Lady Gaga's extravagant style to the theatricality of "Ru Paul's Drag Race". * Tate Modern Exhibition: A new exhibition at Tate Modern celebrates Bowery's art, life, and legacy, solidifying his place in the art world. The article emphasizes that Bowery's art was unique and challenging, pushing boundaries and confronting audiences with his unconventional persona. Despite his brief time in the spotlight, his impact on art and fashion continues to be felt today.
