DR. Shareefa Al-Maqtari

Shareefa Al-Maqtari (born 1977) is a Yemeni data artist and independent researcher based in the Netherlands. Her artistic practice explores how data and computational systems can reveal patterns within perceptual, human and natural phenomena, transforming them into generative and immersive visual experiences.

She is the founder of MAGS Data Art Research, an artist-led research practice, and the creator and developer of the Modular Arithmetic-Based Generative System (MAGS).

Profile reference: ORCID ↗

• PhD, Visual ArtsUniversity of Malaya · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 2012–2019
• MA, Contemporary Art and Design PracticeLimkokwing University of Creative Technology · Kuala Selangor, Malaysia · 2009–2011
• Bachelor, Fine ArtsHodeidah University · Hodeidah, Yemen · 1999–2003

Source: ORCID ↗

• Founder, Data Artist and Independent ResearcherMAGS Data Art Research · Purmerend, Netherlands
• Research AssistantFaculty of Creative Arts, University of Malaya · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 2018–2020
• Head of Art Education & Public Relations CoordinatorSaudi Schools · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 2015–2017
• LecturerFaculty of Fine Arts, Hodeidah University · Hodeidah, Yemen · 2004–2008

Research interests include data-driven and generative art, immersive art, visuospatial attention, eye-tracking data, modular systems, and the relationship between scientific inquiry and artistic creation.

Source: ORCID ↗

• 2026
  Modular Arithmetic Generative System for Creating Data-Driven Art from Visuospatial Attention Data

  Shareefa Al‑Maqtari.

  Research article · Submitted to Leonardo · 2026.

• 2021
  Logistic Role for Fine Art Sustainable Creative Industry ↗

  Rafeah Legino, Shareefa Al‑Maqtari, Jalaini Abu Hassan & Shahriman Zainal Abidin.

  International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(9), 515–521. Human Resource Management Academic Research Society.

  DOI: 10.6007/IJARBSS/v11-i9/11035 ↗
• 2019
  A Hybrid Portrayal of Visuospatial Attention through Eye Tracking Research and Modular Design ↗

  Shareefa Abdullah Ahmed Abdulmalek.

  PhD dissertation, Visual Arts, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. University of Malaya Research Repository.

  University repository record ↗
• 2015
  A Hybrid Model of Drawing: Pictorial Representation of Visuospatial Attention Through an Eye Tracking Research and Numerical Logic of Lines ↗

  Shareefa Abdullah Al‑Maqtari, Ruzaika Omar Basaree & Rafeah Legino.

  In International Colloquium of Art and Design Education Research (i‑CADER 2014), pp. 653–665. Springer, Singapore.

  DOI: 10.1007/978-981-287-332-3_67 ↗

2019 · University of Malaya

PhD Viva Voce

Also published as Shareefa Abdulmalek, Shareefa Abdullah Al-Maqtari, Shareefa A. Al-Maqtari, Shareefa A. A. Abdulmalek and SAA Abdulmalek.

Publication data: ORCID ↗

• 2024–Present
  Workshop Facilitator — Labour Market Participation Module (MAP)

  Civic integration workshops · NewBees · Purmerend, the Netherlands

• 2024–Present
  Workshop Facilitator — Participation Statement Programme (PVT)

  Civic integration workshops · NewBees · Purmerend, the Netherlands

• 2015
  Event Organiser — Acculturation in Yemeni Performance and Song

  Organised a demonstrated talk in ethnomusicology featuring Yemeni artist and researcher Nizar Ghanem · Cultural Centre, University of Malaya · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 7 July 2015

• 2014
  A Hybrid Model of Drawing: Pictorial Representation of Visuospatial Attention Through an Eye Tracking Research and Numerical Logic of Lines

  Paper presented at the International Colloquium of Art and Design Education Research (i-CADER 2014) · Penang, Malaysia

  Published paper ↗

Conference reference: i-CADER 2014 record ↗

• Matcher and Coach in Civic IntegrationNewBees Inclusion Solutions B.V. · Purmerend, Netherlands · 2024–Present · Professional role
• Wijkjury Member — Theater de PurmarynPurmerend, North Holland, the Netherlands · 2024–2025 · Attended and evaluated selected theatre performances
• VolunteerRefugee Council Netherlands · Purmerend, Netherlands · 2023–2024
• Debate Adjudication Panel MemberFirst Asian Arabic Debating Championship · QatarDebate · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 30 January–3 February 2020 · Adjudicated debates among Malaysian university students in Arabic, applying standards of logic and argumentation
• Founder — Yemeni Federal Republican PartyYemen · 2020 · Founded the party as the first Yemeni woman academic to establish a political party in Yemen, advocating federalism and republican government. Its founding continued an activist trajectory that began with establishing the Federal Organization for Democratic Development in Sana’a and Taiz during 2012–2013 · Party page on Facebook ↗
• Assistant to the General Coordinator — Creative HubCultural Centre, University of Malaya · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 2019 · Contributed solely to content development for the British–Malaysian creativity strand
• Public Relations and Artistic and Cultural Coordination — Arab Reading ChallengeSaudi Schools and participating Arab schools · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 2016 · Presented an organisational plan for the Arab Reading Challenge in Malaysia on behalf of the Saudi Schools; the plan was selected, establishing the Saudi Schools as the competition’s organising centre
• Participant — World Peace ConferenceKuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 2 February 2014 · Participated in an international forum on global peace and intercultural dialogue
• Founding PresidentFederal Organization for Democratic Development (F.O.D.D.) · Sana’a and Taiz, Yemen · Founding work began in 2012–2013; the organisation remained active during 2013–2018
• Jury MemberVisual arts competitions, Ministry of Youth and Sports · Hodeidah, Yemen · 2007–2008

Source: ORCID ↗

• 2011
  Chancellor’s Award for Academic Achievement in International Contemporary Art and Design Practice

  Limkokwing University of Creative Technology · Malaysia · July 2011

  Awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in the Master’s programme in International Contemporary Art and Design Practice. The award was presented by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia.

• 2003
  President of the Republic Award — First Place in Fine Arts

  Ministry of Youth and Sports · Taiz Governorate, Yemen · June 2003

  Awarded first place in the fine arts competition in Taiz Governorate.

• 2001
  First Place — 17th Arab and International Students’ Fine Arts Competition

  Al-Fateh University · Tripoli, Libya · June 2001

  Awarded first place in the fine arts competition for an artwork addressing contemporary political issues.