Shehzil Malik is not your regular 30-year-old. The Pakistani digital artist-designer from Lahore has become a byword for all things feminist and viral, with her artwork resonating with people within and across borders. Whether it’s drawing attention to the searing male gaze on the streets or policing of what women should or shouldn’t wear, or graffiti of a gigantic woman riding a bike and even feminist fashion - Malik’s distinctive art has been creating waves.
Trained in communication design, Malik was initially surprised when she found her personal art going viral on social media and opening doors for global collaborations. "I’ve always been interested in how design can be used to promote social change and I’ve chosen jobs and projects based on this principle. Funnily enough, its been the personal illustrations I draw to let off steam that have become what I’m known for.”
The Quint caught up with Malik to talk feminism, art and using social media as a tool. Edited excerpts: