Daniel Malikyar (b. 1995) is an Afghan-American multidisciplinary artist working across photography, film, and creative direction. His work centers on everyday life within communities often misrepresented in global media, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary through human connection and long-form storytelling.

Raised in the United States by Afghan refugee parents, Malikyar’s perspective is shaped by a diasporic identity that bridges personal history with global culture. His projects explore identity, representation, and unseen narratives, offering a human-centered lens that challenges dominant portrayals.

In 2015, Malikyar was selected as the youngest official FUJIFILM X-Photographer in the world. Shortly after, he became Creative Director for multi-platinum artist Marshmello, where he led the creative strategy and visual production for four years. During that time, Marshmello’s YouTube audience grew to over 45 million subscribers, making him one of the most-followed artists on the platform.

Malikyar’s work has been exhibited internationally and featured across major editorial, film, and cultural platforms. His forthcoming project, Afghanistan, marks a defining chapter in his artistic practice and will be released in 2026 as a photography book, fine art exhibition, and feature-length film.