Leon Botha, South African artist and musical performer, died from progeria-related heart failure he was , 26.

Leon was a South African painter, and musical performer, as well as one of the world's oldest survivors of progeria  died from progeria-related heart failure he was , 26..

Botha (4 June 1985 – 5 June 2011)

Biography

Botha was born in Cape Town, South Africa and lived there until his death. He was diagnosed with progeria around the age of 4 years. He had no formal training in art beyond high school courses, but became a full-time painter after graduation, doing commissioned works.
In 2005, Botha successfully underwent heart bypass surgery to prevent a heart attack due to progeria-related atherosclerosis.^[4] In January 2007, Botha had his first solo art exhibition, entitled "Liquid Sword; I am HipHop", revolving around hip-hop culture as a way of life.^[5] It took place at the Rust-en-Vrede gallery in Durbanville and was opened by Mr Fat of the South African Hip Hop group Brasse Vannie Kaap.^[6][7] His second solo exhibition opened in March 2009 and featured pieces of the artist's life. Botha was asked if the title "Liquid Swords; Slices of Lemon" referred to the adage "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Botha said no, adding, "Lemons? I slice 'em and serve 'em back!"^[8]
In January 2010 he hosted the first exhibit of "Who Am I? ...Transgressions", a photo collaboration with Gordon Clark, at the João Ferreira Gallery in Cape Town.^[9] Botha said of the exhibition, "I am a spiritual being, the same as you, primarily. Then I'm a human being and this part of the human being is the body, which has a condition."^[10]
Botha was also engaged in deejaying and turntablism under the name DJ Solarize.^[11][12] He was featured alongside Watkin Tudor Jones, aka Ninja, in the music video "Enter the Ninja" from Die Antwoord.^{[13][14][15][16]}
In November 2010, Botha suffered a stroke.^[17][18] Botha died from complications of progeria in Cape Town one day after his 26th birthday.^[19][20]

 

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