MDM alum uses immersive and interactive technology in AGA Khan Museum Rumi Exhibit
Master of Digital Media alum and Immersive Technology Specialist at the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Library Michael Carter-Arlt collaborated with the Aga Khan Museum (external link) on their most recent exhibit, featuring well-known Sufi mystic and poet Rumi.
The Rumi exhibit highlights the journey and influence of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi, the renowned Persian poet known as Rumi (external link, opens in new window) .
“In the exhibit, there are three major themes: The Historical Rumi, The Visual Rumi, and Rumi In Translation,” Carter-Arlt says. “Each of these themes showcases how Rumi has impacted art, architecture and culture to demonstrate how he became one of the most important mystical poets of the Persian-Islamic tradition.”
Michael Carter-Arlt at the Aga Khan Museum Rumi Exhibit
The Aga Khan Museum previously partnered with the TMU libraries on the very successful “Remastered Exhibit” back in 2021. The curator of the exhibit, Michael Chagnon, reached out to Carter-Arlt to discuss ways for him to be involved and have his extended reality (XR) expertise help bring Rumi’s profound impact to life.
Michael Carter-Arlt describes the contextual video installation that details visual representations of Rumi’s poetry in ancient manuscripts
Impactful collaborations and transformative MDM Experience
Carter-Arlt was the Project Manager and Lead Developer for this exhibition, from conceptualization to the execution of the installations, which included the creation of an interactive 13th-century timeline, an immersive portrait projection, a translation comparison interactive, a contextual video visualization, and 3D modelling and printing for one of the artists featured in the exhibition. Carter-Arlt also managed a team of four to assist with project development, including researchers Ava Mozaffari, Jae Seo, and Liam Gregory.
“Working with the Aga Khan Museum has been the most rewarding collaboration of my career,” Carter-Arlt expressed. “It allowed me to showcase how XR technology can be used specifically for museums, which was the leading concept behind my major research project when I completed my master's degree.”
During his time in the Master of Digital Media program, Carter-Arlt was able to utilize the resources available to him, specifically in the Library Collaboratory, which ultimately helped him get his current role at the TMU Library.
“The biggest takeaway from my time in the MDM program was my supervisor, Dr. Richard Lachman, and getting involved with the Library Collaboratory,” Carter-Arlt said. “Richard provided me with excellent guidance as a mentor and really helped me conceptualize the best ways to develop intuitive user experiences. It was truly an honour to have him as my supervisor.”
Continuing to contribute to the museum, Carter-Arlt also previously successfully developed othereducational installations, including the 2021 Remastered exhibition and the 2022 Afghanistan My Love exhibit.
“These exhibits have been very rewarding to establish myself in education and the XR industry,” said Carter-Arlt.
Attendees of the Rumi exhibit gaze at the dynamic visualization of Rumi’s portrait, made from hundreds of visual materials that represent Rumi’s legacy
Advice for students on acquiring new skills
Prior to transitioning into the XR industry, Carter-Arlt began his journey in the printing industry after graduating from Graphic Communications Management at TMU. Many of his skills were self-taught as he made it a priority to grow his expertise to develop his master’s research project.
“The one thing that I usually tell students who would like to follow a similar path is not to let the challenge of learning a new skill get in the way of trying it in the first place,” Carter-Arlt added. “With the developments in technology in recent years, we live in a time where we can learn so much more in a much faster amount of time.”
The Rumi exhibit will be on display till October 1, 2023. Visit the Aga Khan Museum website (external link) for more information.
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