Zhanel Shakan is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, and political activist. As a member of the feminist art collective MATA and the “Oyan, Kazakhstan!” movement for political reform, she creates artworks and initiatives to promote social change. Zhanel uses her art as a form of activism, exploring the intersections of identity and advocacy with the aim of challenging injustice and inspiring meaningful dialogue about the political realities of her country within Kazakhstan and beyond.