AURORA AWARD 2009
AURORA AWARD RECIPIENT DOUG AITKEN

Aurora Picture Show honored acclaimed media artist, Doug Aitken, at the 2009 Aurora Award and fundraiser dinner on Wednesday, October 7 at The Enclave. Winner of the International Prize at the 1999 Venice Biennale, Los Angeles-based Aitken is best known for his 2007 work, Sleepwalkers, which was presented at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and included the actors Donald Sutherland and Tilda Swinton, musicians Seu Jorge and Cat Power, and actor/street drummer Ryan Donowho. His work, employing multiple screens and incorporating elements of photography, architecture, and other new media, has been shown in solo and group exhibitions all over the world. Aitken has also published books, including Broken Screen: 26 Conversations with Doug Aitken, a collection of interviews with 26 other artists on the topic of narrative and linearity. 

The 2009 Gala took place Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. at The Enclave, a privately owned space for world-class contemporary art, located at 2518 Mandell Street. The event is chaired by Karen and Stephan Farber. Following the gala dinner, Aurora hosted an exclusive screening of two of Doug's films, sleepwalkers and migration.  Doug Aitken will also be on hand to receive the award designed by Houston artist, Sharon Engelstein. Special thanks to City Kitchen Catering, Saint Arnold Brewery , Hotel Sorella and Stockholm Krystal Vodka who were generous sponsors of the 2009 event.  In addition, we appreciate the support of Microcinema International, Studio Communications and Sharp Egg Design.

The Aurora Award is presented each year at the Gala to an artist or collective that has demonstrated extraordinary talent and originality in the field of media arts. Previous honorees include Tony Oursler, William Wegman, Laurie Anderson, the Ant Farm collective, Isaac Julien, Miranda July, and Steina and Woody Vasulka. In 2008, Aurora celebrated its tenth anniversary by honoring those who have shaped and supported the organization at the Aurora Award dinner.