The new ‘Leigh Bowery!’ Exhibition At Tate Modern celebrates the provocative and boundary-pushing career of one of the most fearless and original artists of the 20th century. In his short but extraordinary life, Leigh Bowery (1961-1994) forged a truly unique path. 

For the first time Tate Modern will bring together Bowery’s outlandish and dazzling costumes alongside painting, photography and videos to explore how he changed art, fashion and popular culture forever. Charting the journey of a young boy from Australia, who became a globally recognised cultural figure. 

During the Press View of ‘Leigh Bowery!’ Exhibition On Tuesday 26 February 2025 RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Jess Baxter, Assistant Curator of the exhibition, for a bit of background to the life of Leigh Bowery, his work during the 80s and up to his death in 1994 along with the impact his work has had on art, culture and much more.

The exhibition ‘Leigh Bowery!’ continues at Tate Modern until 31 August  2025. Audio described tours of the exhibition with one of Tate’s Visitor Engagement Assistants can be booked in advance by either emailing [email protected] or calling 020 7887 8888.  

More details about ‘Leigh Bowery!’ can be found on the following pages of the Tate website - https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/leigh-bowery

Image Polaroid portrait of Leigh Bowery 1986 © Peter Paul Hartnett / Camera Press.

Leigh Bowery wearing white make up with pink blusher, black eye shadow and black lipstick with bright blue paint dripping from his head to resemble hair. The photograph is signed in blue at the bottom by Leigh