MEK.txt: The Pixel Art Innovator in the Tezos Ecosystem
By Darren Smith, Arts Reporter
April 12, 2026
Indonesian artist and developer Michael Alexander, known in the NFT world as MEK.txt, continues to stand out as a multifaceted creator in the Tezos ecosystem. Blending classical influences with retro computing aesthetics, MEK.txt has built a reputation for intricate pixel art while simultaneously developing practical tools for collectors and artists.
Born in 1990, Alexander trained in fine arts, mastering etching, drawing, painting, and lithography. Financial realities led him to co-found SANROK Studio, where he worked as a principal designer and typographer. In 2022, he entered the NFT space seeking to pursue art full-time. Tezos became his chosen chain, offering low fees and energy efficiency that aligned with his values.
MEK.txt’s artistic practice centers on text-mode and pixel art. He draws from roguelike video games like Dwarf Fortress, using character tiles to craft detailed scenes of fantasy, myth, and classical motifs. His works often invite viewers to interpret narratives, fostering a sense of co-authorship. One standout piece, Sanguis Caecitas (2023), features a monumental central figure rendered in painstaking pixel detail, evoking themes of justice or violence through a style inspired by classical masterpieces.
In 2025, MEK.txt released his first solo collection on objkt.com titled Their eyes are often the same. The project highlighted his evolving text-mode techniques, showcasing hyper-detailed compositions that merge typography with visual storytelling. Earlier, the DOS-AGE series explored custom glyphs in a DOS-like environment, pushing boundaries of tile-based art.
A major milestone came in late 2024 with CHAPTER00.txt, a sold-out drop of 512 unique NFTs on Etherlink via Rarible. Each piece, priced at 7.5 TXZ during mint, depicts epic fantasy worlds—castles, journeys, and mythic figures—built from a custom library of text and image characters developed by the artist. The collection fused pixel art, typography, game aesthetics, design, and code into immersive retro experiences.
Beyond art, MEK.txt contributes significantly as a builder. In November 2024, he launched SBJKT (sbjkt.xyz), a personalized visual-first dashboard for Tezos art collectors. The tool aggregates fresh mints, listings, auctions, and activity from followed artists into one feed. Features include edition-size filters, price ranges, visual indicators for owned works, and notifications via Telegram or Discord. A “Scan + Follow” function automatically tracks creators based on on-chain behavior. Built with security reviews from Tezos developers, SBJKT enhances discovery and management in the ecosystem.
Additional projects in 2025 include the font MEKmode.otf, explorations in chromostereopsis with dithering, and branding work such as Eastern Orthodox praying cards. He co-founded DOGGODOG lab with collaborator Jacktezos to create indie digital tools and games. An art installation titled STYLITES appeared in Sarria, Galicia, extending his practice into physical spaces.
MEK.txt remains active on X under @michaelmicasso, sharing process insights and engaging the community. In interviews, he credits web3 with connecting him globally despite geographic isolation, emphasizing genuine interactions over visual-only platforms. “Web3 has been nothing but a blessing,” he noted, highlighting partnerships across continents.
His approach upholds pixel perseverance—rooted in craft, community, and innovation. As Tezos art matures, MEK.txt exemplifies how artists can thrive as both creators and contributors to infrastructure.
Darren Smith is an Arts Reporter at Art Chain News covering contemporary art, digital art and NFTs, body art, and the intersections between these fields.
This article is based on direct examination of materials, market data, background interviews, and independent analysis.
