Leigh Bowery

Overview

Known for
Acting
Gender
Other
Birthday
Mar 26, 1961 (64 years old)
Death date
Dec 31, 1994

Leigh Bowery

Known For

Queerama
1h 15m
Movie 2017

Queerama

Created from a treasure trove of archive, Queerama traverses a century of gay experiences, encompassing persecution and prosecution, injustice, love and desire, identity, secrets, forbidden encounters, sexual liberation and pride. The soundtrack weaves the lyrics and music of John Grant, Goldfrapp and Hercules & Love Affair with the images and guides us intimately into the relationships, desires, fears and expressions of gay men and women in the 20th century – a century of incredible change.

Kinky Gerlinky
1h 41m
Movie 2003

Kinky Gerlinky

Kinky Gerlinky was the biggest, most fabulous, most stylish nightclub London has ever seen. This documentary edited from over 200 hours shot on 21 nights, conveys the experience of one full night out at the club, and gains unique intimacy with most of the action directed to camera.

The Legend of Leigh Bowery
1h 23m
Movie 2002

The Legend of Leigh Bowery

Welcome to the over-the-top, extravagant world of Leigh Bowery, a key figure in New Romanticism and London nightlife in the 1980s. With his bizarre outfits, a mix of kitsch and fetish, and his eccentric performances, he influenced artists, musicians and stylists like Boy George, Lucian Freud (of whom he became the muse), Vivienne Westwood, Anthony and the Johnsons, John Galliano and David LaChapelle. Born in Australia into an intensely religious family and brought up in a Melbourne suburb, Leigh moved to London where he worked as a fashion designer and a promoter, and started the legendary disco club night "Taboo", the first outrageous polysexual party in London. The documentary offers a fully rounded portrait of this artist, including interviews with the people who knew him, who describe a complex, extreme, and ironic personality, a performer, actor and designer ahead of his time, from his difficult early life to international success, up to his death in 1994.

Mrs. Peanut Visits New York
0h 6m
Movie 1999

Mrs. Peanut Visits New York

A video portrait of the legendary late performance artist, fashion designer and nightlife icon Leigh Bowery. Atlas's camera follows Bowery as he flamboyantly strolls through Manhattan's Meatpacking District, outrageously costumed in a self-made reinterpretation of "Mr. Peanut," the Planter's Peanut mascot. Bowery's molded full-bodysuit, accessorized with a floral print dress, top hat and transparent-heeled platform shoes, draws stares from onlookers. Peanut-related pop songs accompany him on the soundtrack.

Read Only Memory
1h 32m
Movie 1998

Read Only Memory

The film's attempt to re-create an acid trip is showcased in this creature's dance: whenever she moves, a rainbow of colors and shapes appear, as if her appendages are the artist's brushes.

What's Your Reaction to the Show?
0h 30m
Movie 1998

What's Your Reaction to the Show?

Jewell's film gives us unique access to understanding a controversial work of art within its original context. In 1988, club legend Leigh Bowery installs himself behind a one-way mirror in a week-long residency at Anthony d'Offay Gallery in London. Each day he presents a look from his shocking repertoire, appropriating and revising styles and cultures. Jewell places his camera on the street to capture visitors exiting the gallery, inviting them to react to the show, in the moment. The range of interviewees is diverse, from students and gallery staff, to the cognoscenti from the worlds of art, clubs and fashion.

Wigstock: The Movie
1h 25m
Movie 1995

Wigstock: The Movie

The three-decade-old annual Manhattan gathering of drag queens and their fans is portrayed in this colorful documentary. The film concentrates on the spectacle of the event, providing abundant examples of the elaborate costumes, flamboyant wigs, and campy musical performances that characterize the event.

The Ghosts of Oxford Street
0h 53m
Movie 1991

The Ghosts of Oxford Street

Malcolm McLaren, writes, directs and narrates the "history" of Oxford Street. With musical performances by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, Tom Jones, Sinead O'Connor, Happy Mondays and more.

Biography

Leigh Bowery was an Australian performance artist, club promoter, and fashion designer. Bowery was known for his flamboyant and outlandish costumes and makeup as well as his performances. Based in London for much of his adult life, he was a significant model and muse for the English painter Lucian Freud.

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