Shamayel Shalizi is an Afghan multimedia artist who spent her formative years in Russia, the U.S. and Afghanistan. She holds a Masters degree in Social Anthropology from SOAS, University of London, and leads Blingistan,  a jewellery and apparel line now celebrating its 7th collection.

In November 2021, Shamayel published her first collection of poetry titled Shut Up/ چپ باش/ Заткнись. Besides designing and writing, Shamayel also uses painting, photography, videography and installations to explore themes of identity, the self, the Other, sexuality, womanhood, trauma, imperialism, war and displacement, and the homeland.

Shamayel is an orator, who has participated in conferences and conversations across formats around the world, including guest appearances on podcasts and co-hosting her own, Diaspora Passing.