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Hi, I'm Aakif Shahbaz Rattu, a multidisciplinary interactive media artist based in Abu Dhabi. I specialize in immersive installations and physical computing, building interactive systems using Unity 3D, Arduino, and projection mapping, including a 1.5-meter performing robot and a four-part immersive capstone installation. I blend storytelling with hands-on making, collaborating with teams to turn ideas into tangible experiences for galleries, stage performances, and public-facing projects. My recent work includes front-of-house and production roles at NYUAD Art Gallery, a NYC video internship, and self-directed practice that explores nostalgia, liminality, and eerie spaces.…Hi, I'm Aakif Shahbaz Rattu, a multidisciplinary interactive media artist based in Abu Dhabi. I specialize in immersive installations and physical computing, building interactive systems using Unity 3D, Arduino, and projection mapping, including a 1.5-meter performing robot and a four-part immersive capstone installation. I blend storytelling with hands-on making, collaborating with teams to turn ideas into tangible experiences for galleries, stage performances, and public-facing projects. My recent work includes front-of-house and production roles at NYUAD Art Gallery, a NYC video internship, and self-directed practice that explores nostalgia, liminality, and eerie spaces.

Aakif Shahbaz Rattu

Illustrator, Video Editor, Photographer, +5

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Hi, I'm Aakif Shahbaz Rattu, a multidisciplinary interactive media artist based in Abu Dhabi. I specialize in immersive installations and physical computing, building interactive systems using Unity 3D, Arduino, and projection mapping, including a 1.5-meter performing robot and a four-part immersive capstone installation. I blend storytelling with hands-on making, collaborating with teams to turn ideas into tangible experiences for galleries, stage performances, and public-facing projects. My recent work includes front-of-house and production roles at NYUAD Art Gallery, a NYC video internship, and self-directed practice that explores nostalgia, liminality, and eerie spaces.…Hi, I'm Aakif Shahbaz Rattu, a multidisciplinary interactive media artist based in Abu Dhabi. I specialize in immersive installations and physical computing, building interactive systems using Unity 3D, Arduino, and projection mapping, including a 1.5-meter performing robot and a four-part immersive capstone installation. I blend storytelling with hands-on making, collaborating with teams to turn ideas into tangible experiences for galleries, stage performances, and public-facing projects. My recent work includes front-of-house and production roles at NYUAD Art Gallery, a NYC video internship, and self-directed practice that explores nostalgia, liminality, and eerie spaces.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Aakif Shahbaz Rattu, a multidisciplinary interactive media artist based in Abu Dhabi. I specialize in immersive installations and physical computing, building interactive systems using Unity 3D, Arduino, and projection mapping, including a 1.5-meter performing robot and a four-part immersive capstone installation.

I blend storytelling with hands-on making, collaborating with teams to turn ideas into tangible experiences for galleries, stage performances, and public-facing projects. My recent work includes front-of-house and production roles at NYUAD Art Gallery, a NYC video internship, and self-directed practice that explores nostalgia, liminality, and eerie spaces.

Skills

Unity 3D

DaVinci Resolve Studio

Python

JavaScript

C++

Experience Level

Unity 3D

Expert

DaVinci Resolve Studio

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Urdu

Fluent

Work Experience

Front Desk & Production Assistant at NYU AD Art Gallery

August 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025

Assisted 200+ visitors with exhibition information and front-of-house operations; managed 50+ technical assets and supported exhibition turnover and event setups.

Self-Directed Media Practice

January 1, 2023 - Present

Produced 50+ photos and short-form videos for Instagram/TikTok, developing visual storytelling practice exploring themes of nostalgia, liminality, and eerie spaces.

Video Intern at Mix Spot

May 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022

Created 30+ short-form videos on anime and pop culture; collaborated with creative team to adapt 20+ trending formats for digital-first audiences.

Production Assistant & Front Desk at NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery

January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022

Supported daily gallery operations and front-of-house logistics for exhibitions, coordinating guest services and event turnover, and assisting with installation and de-installation activities.

Deputy Copy Chief and Illustrator at The Gazelle

August 1, 2021 - May 1, 2022

Edited and finalized 40+ articles while designing 15+ original illustrations to ensure editorial accuracy, consistent tone, and stronger reader engagement.

Self-Directed Media Practice

January 1, 2021 - Present

Produced 100+ photography and short-form narrative videos for social media, emphasizing visual storytelling and creative content development.

MixspotVideo Intern at MixspotVideo

January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022

Produced 100+ photography and short-form narrative videos for social media; collaborated on testing 20+ content variations and analyzing engagement metrics to optimize performance.

Deputy Copy Chief and Illustrator at The Gazette

January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022

Supported daily gallery operations and front-of-house logistics for exhibitions and events serving 200+ visitors, ensuring smooth service delivery and issue resolution. Managed and tracked 50+ technical assets, coordinating setup, turnover, and operational readiness across exhibitions. Worked cross-functionally with curatorial, technical, and operations teams to meet timelines and maintain quality standards. Produced and optimized 30+ short-form videos, collaborating cross-functionally to test 20+ content variations and analyze engagement metrics to improve performance. Edited and finalized 40+ articles while designing 15+ original illustrations to ensure editorial accuracy, consistent tone, and stronger reader engagement.