Phoebe Hoban's biography explores Lucian Freud's transformative collaboration with performance artist Leigh Bowery
In 1990, Lucian Freud encountered Australian performance artist Leigh Bowery at the Anthony d'Offay Gallery in London, initiating a collaboration that lasted four years and yielded important artworks. Introduced by Wynn Evans and Cook at Harry's Bar, Bowery's extravagant clothing stood in stark contrast to Freud's more muted color schemes. Bowery, who had a large physique, served as a model for Freud until he succumbed to AIDS on December 31, 1994. Freud's sculptural technique resulted in significant pieces such as Leigh Bowery (Seated) 1990 and Naked Man, Back View (1991–92). Additionally, he depicted Bowery alongside his wife, Nicola Bateman, in And the Bridegroom (1993). Following Bowery's death, Freud ensured his body was sent back to Australia. These details are found in Phoebe Hoban's biography, Lucian Freud: Eyes Wide Open, released in April 2014.
Key facts
- Lucian Freud began working with Leigh Bowery in 1990 after meeting at Anthony d'Offay Gallery
- Bowery modeled for Freud until his death from AIDS on December 31, 1994
- Freud described Bowery as "amazingly aware and amazingly abandoned" in his physical presence
- The painting Leigh Bowery (Seated) 1990 required Freud to enlarge the canvas with additional strips
- Freud painted Bowery with his wife Nicola Bateman in And the Bridegroom (1993)
- Bowery would spontaneously strip and remove all body piercings when entering Freud's studio
- Phoebe Hoban's biography Lucian Freud: Eyes Wide Open was published by New Harvest in April 2014
- Freud arranged for Bowery's body to be returned to Australia after his death
Entities
Artists
- Lucian Freud
- Leigh Bowery
- Phoebe Hoban
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Alice Neel
- Nicola Bateman
- Rodin
- A. E. Housman
Institutions
- artcritical
- New Harvest
- Anthony d'Offay Gallery
- Amazon Publishing
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Holland Park