On behalf of Austria’s annual electronic art festival Ars Electronica Consul General Andreas Launer presented the prestigious Golden Nica Awards to Los Angeles-based artists Lauren Lee McCarthy and Miwa Matreyek on March 22, 2021, in the garden of the Austrian Residence. Lauren Lee McCarthy received the Golden Nica 2020 in the category Interactive Art + for her project SOMEONE while Miwa Matreyek received the award in the category Computer Animation for her work Infinitely Yours. Due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, both award winners had not been able to receive the award in-person in Austria last year. Therefore, at the request of Ars Electronica, the presentation ceremony took place in Los Angeles.
The Prix Ars Electronica is the world’s most time-honored media arts competition. Winners are awarded the coveted Golden Nica statuette, prize money ranging up to € 16,000 per category and an opportunity to showcase their talents at the famed Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria.
Austrian Consul General Andreas Launer with U.S. Artist Miwa Matreyek, winner of the 2020 Prix Ars Electronica in computer animation for Infinitely Yours
Austrian Consul General Launer with U.S. Artist Lauren Lee McCarthy, who was awarded a Golden Nica for her work SOMEONE
Photos © David Auner