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Mez Breeze
Professional Background
Mez Breeze is a trailblazing artist and storyteller who has redefined the boundaries of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) through her innovative works. With a career that began in 1994 with the onset of the World Wide Web, Mez has continually pushed the limits of digital art, creating mesmerizing VR sculptures, engaging VR and AR experiences, compelling games, and experimental narratives. Her work exemplifies the fusion of technology and creativity, establishing her as a leading figure in the realm of electronic literature.
In July 2019, Mez was honored with the prestigious Marjorie C. Luesebrink Career Achievement Award, recognizing her visionary contributions to the field of electronic literature. This accolade highlights her inspirational role in advancing digital narratives, encouraging fellow artists and scholars to explore the intersections of their own work with emerging technologies.
Her notable collaborative projects include working with Microsoft, Samsung, and MasterpieceVR on the VR Influencers Sustainability Initiative in 2018. This initiative invited artists to utilize Windows Mixed Reality Headsets for their digital creations, further showcasing her commitment to collaboration and innovation in the field. In addition, in 2016, Mez partnered with the digital arts organization Rhizome, resulting in her inclusion in their prominent Net Art Anthology, a crucial compilation of digital artwork that also saw a print launch in January 2019.
Among her remarkable achievements, Mez co-developed the acclaimed narrative game "All the Delicate Duplicates," which has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including the Tumblr International Arts and Media Prize in 2015 and the Dundee Game Design Award in 2017. Her earlier work, the Augmented Reality Game "#PRISOM," was showcased at the International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality, earning critical acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative and experimental approach.
Mez's artistic endeavors have not only contributed to the world of digital art but have also been integrated into academic curricula across the globe. Her works are preserved in esteemed collections such as The World Bank, Cornell’s Rose Goldsen Archive, and the National Library of Australia, reflecting her significant impact on both artistic and scholarly fields. Presently, she is collaborating with Duke University to develop a comprehensive career archive that will serve as a vital resource for future researchers and artists.
Education and Achievements
Mez Breeze holds an impressive educational background that includes studies in Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong and Arts and Media at the Illawarra Institute of Technology. She also pursued Applied Social Science, Psychology, and Sociology at Charles Sturt University, providing her with a multidisciplinary perspective that informs her work in VR and AR.
Throughout her career, Mez has contributed to a wide array of projects and organizations. She has held various positions, including co-producer and creative director for "Inanimate Alice," where she shaped the narrative and technological elements of the groundbreaking interactive storytelling project. As a Senior Research Affiliate at the Humanities and Critical Code Studies Lab, she has engaged in innovative research that bridges the gap between technology and the humanities.
Her artistic leadership has seen her take on roles such as Lead Artist and Writer at Mez Breeze Design, Digital Literature and Arts Constructor at Mezangelle, and co-creator of "All the Delicate Duplicates." Notably, her expertise has led her to serve as a judge for the Bournemouth University’s New Media Writing Prize and as an exhibiting artist at several esteemed conferences and exhibitions, including the Elmcip Conference and the Transmediale Festival.
Beyond her contributions as an artist, Mez has also made an impact as an educator and a mentor in the field of digital arts and literature, guest lecturing at various institutes and engaging in community-driven initiatives that focus on fostering talent in mixed and augmented reality art.
Achievements
Mez Breeze's distinguished career is marked by numerous recognitions and achievements that underscore her influence in digital art. Her innovative project, "All the Delicate Duplicates," has been celebrated for its narrative depth and experimental gameplay, receiving awards such as the Best Overall Game at the Game City Festival and multiple honors from international media landscapes.
Her inclusion in the Net Art Anthology and collaboration with major corporations like Microsoft and Samsung highlight her role as a driving force in the evolution of electronic literature and immersive storytelling. Mez's works have been showcased globally, allowing her to reach diverse audiences and inspire a new generation of artists in the digital space.
With a commitment to advancing the dialogue around VR and AR, Mez continues to push the boundaries of her craft, serving as an advisor to the Mixed Augmented Reality Art Research Organisation and maintaining her editorial position with the Digital Journal Thresholds. She is also a co-founder of the XR Artists Collective, fostering a supportive community for artists exploring the potential of extended reality.
In summary, Mez Breeze's career is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a commitment to artistic excellence, and an unwavering dedication to her craft. As an artist, researcher, and educator, she continues to shape the landscape of digital literature and immersive experiences, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of our time.
